Kalamazoo, MI:   OnSeptember 14th, 2021, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and the Crime Reduction Team conducted an operation in reference to a subject involved in recent shootings in the cites of Kalamazoo and Portage.

During this operation, investigators conducted surveillance of the suspect and contacted him in the 5000 block of W KL Ave. Upon taking the suspect into custody, investigators located a loaded handgun on his person. The handgun was later determined to be stolen. During a search of the suspect’s residence, investigators located additional evidence of firearms and suspected methamphetamine.

The firearm located during the arrest was forensically examined and found to be the weapon used during a shooting on September 12th on Lark Dr in Kalamazoo and a shooting on September 3^rd at the Crossroads Mall in Portage.

The 29-year-old Kalamazoo man was arrested for Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felony Firearms, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The suspect was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. All charges will be reviewed by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office.

Anyone with information regarding firearms activity and / or illegal drugs 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:  Executive Lieutenant Matt Schemenauer

Kalamazoo, MI:   On September 9th, 2021, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and the Crime Reduction Team conducted an operation in reference to a wanted parole absconder.

During this operation, investigators conducted surveillance of the suspect and attempted to arrest him in the 3700 block of Sprinkle Rd. The suspect resisted arrest but was quickly subdued without injury. Upon taking the suspect into custody, investigators located a loaded handgun on his person. It was also discovered that the vehicle the suspect was driving was recently reported stolen from Kalamazoo County. During a search of the vehicle, investigators discovered a bullet proof vest, ammunition, suspected methamphetamine, and additional stolen property.  

After the arrest was made, investigators searched the suspect’s approved parole address. During a search of the location, investigators located a second loaded firearm, ammunition, a high-capacity handgun magazine, a second bullet proof vest, and additional methamphetamine. While searching the garage area, investigators located three motorcycles recently reported stolen from Kalamazoo and Allegan Counties. Investigators also located two improvised explosive devices. Due to these devices, the KDPS Bomb Squad responded to the scene and rendered them safe.

The 40-year-old Kalamazoo man was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. Charges of Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felony Firearms, Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Explosive Devices, and Motor Vehicle Theft will be sought against the suspect. All charges will be reviewed by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office.

Anyone with information regarding firearms activity and / or illegal drugs 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:  Executive Lieutenant Matt Schemenauer

Kalamazoo, MI:   On September 9th, 2021, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and the Crime Reduction Team conducted an operation in reference to recent gun violence in the City of Kalamazoo. Investigators identified a suspect known to be involved in gun violence and currently wanted on outstanding felony arrest warrants for firearms violations.

During this operation, investigators conducted surveillance of the suspect and attempted to arrest him in the 1300 block of Washington Ave. The suspect attempted to flee from investigators but was quickly captured. Upon taking the suspect into custody, investigators located a loaded handgun on his person. While arresting this suspect, a second known suspect ran from the area and was seen throwing a handgun. Investigators quickly arrested the second suspect and recovered the firearm.

A 28-year-old Kalamazoo man was arrested for Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felony Firearms, Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer and outstanding arrest warrants. A 23-year-old Kalamazoo man was also arrested for Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felony Firearms, and Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer. Both suspects were lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. All charges will be reviewed by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office.

Anyone with information regarding 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:  Executive Lieutenant Matt Schemenauer

Date:  8/27/2021

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

Contact:  Executive Lieutenant Matt Schemenauer, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880 

Kalamazoo, MI:   On August 27, 2021, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and the Crime Reduction Team conducted an operation in reference to a 23-year-old Kalamazoo man who was wanted on several felony arrest warrants. The suspect is also known to officers for his involvement in recent gun violence in the City of Kalamazoo.  

During this operation, investigators conducted surveillance of the suspect and attempted to arrest him in the 5100 block of S Westnedge Ave. The suspect attempted to flee from investigators but was quickly captured. Upon taking the suspect into custody, investigators located a loaded handgun and suspected Crack Cocaine on his person.

The suspect was arrested on several felony arrest warrants as well as Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felony Firearms and Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine. The suspect was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. 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:  Executive Lieutenant Matt Schemenauer

Kalamazoo, MI: 

On December 16, 2020, at approximately 5:15 PM, Kalamazoo Public Safety’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET), both of which are part of the Community Outreach and Problem Solving Division (COPS), were conducting a surveillance operation in an effort to continually combat the significant increase in gun violence around the City of Kalamazoo.  This violence has been primarily attributed to gang/group feuds throughout areas of Kalamazoo.  Investigators observed three subjects known for their involvement in gun violence, occupying a vehicle on the north side of Kalamazoo. Both of these individuals were found to have outstanding felony warrants for their arrest.      

Surveillance was conducted and the vehicle/occupants were contacted in the 400 block of W. Michigan Ave.  During this contact, two males fled on foot and were apprehended after short foot pursuits.  Investigators located two (2) discarded firearms, both of which were fully loaded, as well as illegal narcotics and evidence of distribution.    

A 24-year-old male, as well as the two other Kalamazoo residents (22 and 23 years old), were arrested on their warrants as well as various drug and weapons violations.  All were lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail.  These cases will be reviewed by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. 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:  Sgt. Justin Wonders