NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 4, 2021

Contact:  Ryan Bridges, Public Information Officer, 269-762-2922 

Kalamazoo, MI: On March 3^rd, 2021, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) and the Crime Reduction Team conducted an operation, which concluded with the execution of 4 search warrants at locations throughout the City of Kalamazoo. This operation was in direct response to a recent increase in opiate related overdoses and overdose deaths in the Kalamazoo area. This investigation focused on the distribution of fentanyl by a 33-year-old Kalamazoo man and a 28-year-old man Kalamazoo man. The locations of the executed search warrants were in the 3300 block of Lincolnshire Blvd, 1300 block of N Church St, 100 block of E Maple St and the 800 block of Hazard St.

During the execution of these search warrants, investigators located approximately 110 grams of fentanyl, a large amount of suspected ecstasy (MDMA), 3 firearms, ammunition, over $18,000 in cash and additional evidence of the narcotics distribution network.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is between 30-50 times more potent than Heroin. Medical experts estimated that just a 2 to 3 milligram dose of fentanyl is enough to kill a person. 110 grams of fentanyl is one of the largest single seizures of fentanyl in Kalamazoo County.

Both suspects will be facing several felony charges, including Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Operating and Maintaining a Drug House. All charges will be reviewed by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drugs or firearms activity is urged to contact KVET at 269-337-8880, or report an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com

By authority of:  Sergeant Matt Schemenauer

Date:  Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Address:  150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:  Ryan Bridges, bridgesR@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

PRESS RELEASE

Structure Fire

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at approximately 2:55 P.M., officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the 400 blk of
Park Pl. for a report of a structure fire. When KDPS officers arrived, flames and heavy smoke were observed coming from the second floor of the residence.     

KDPS officers were able to bring the fire under control within 10 minutes and are currently still on scene.  The structure was occupied, but the residents were able to self-evacuate.  No injuries occurred during this incident. 

The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100

By authority of: Lt. Eric Reiber

Vehicle Crash on Portage Rd.

Date: Thursday, February 25, 2021

Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesr@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

Kalamazoo, Mich.- On Thursday, February 25, 2021, at approximately 9:50 a.m., officers with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the 2900 block of Portage Rd. for a report of a traffic crash involving four vehicles.

One person was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The crash is under investigation by KDPS and Portage Rd., between Cork Street and Lovers Lane will be closed to traffic until the investigation is complete.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 / kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Date:  Saturday, February 20, 2021

Address:  150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:  Ryan Bridges, bridgesR@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

PRESS RELEASE

Commercial Structure Fire

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Saturday, February 20th, 2021 at approximately 8:53 A.M., officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the 1200 blk of
E. Main St. for a report of a structure fire. When KDPS officers arrived, smoke was observed coming from a commercial structure.   

KDPS officers entered the vacant building and located a significant amount of clutter and debris.  KDPS officers were able to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes and are currently still on scene.  The structure was vacant at time of the incident and no injuries occurred during this incident. 

The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100

By authority of: Lt. Eric Reiber

Date:  Thursday, February 04, 2021

Address:  150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:  Captain Craig Habel, Criminal Investigations Division, 269-337-8139

Vehicle Pedestrian Crash

On February 4th, 2021 at approximately 2:36pm, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 800 block of S. Riverview reference to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. When officers arrived on scene, they located a male subject unresponsive in the roadway and provided life-saving measures.  The victim was transported to the hospital and is currently in critical condition.  The driver of the involved vehicle remained on scene and is investigation is ongoing.  It does not appear that alcohol was a factor.  The 800 block of S. Riverview is currently closed to through traffic and will be re-opened within the hour.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

By authority of: Lt. Eric Reiber