Kalamazoo, MI:  On December 28, 2018, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the report of a freight train derailment in the downtown area.  Approximately eight train cars tipped over from the tracks between Porter St. and Walbridge St., north of E. Kalamazoo Ave.  Several of the train cars came to rest on a commercial building in that area.  E. Kalamazoo Ave. and E. Michigan Ave. were briefly blocked due to the accident, but have now been reopened.  The only streets still closed due to the incident are Walbridge St. and Harrison St. between E. Kalamazoo Ave. and E. Ransom St.

No injuries were reported, and there were no indications of any hazardous material releases.  The cause of the derailment is unknown at this time and is under investigation. 

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8142.

By authority of:  Lieutenant Michael Skurski

Date:               December 28, 2018

Address:          150 East Crosstown Parkway, Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:          Captain Matthew Huber, Operations Division, 269-337-8142

Kalamazoo, MI:  On October 14, 2018, at approximately 10:39 a.m., Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers were dispatched to the 1200-block of Douglas Ave. in reference to a stabbing.  Upon arrival, officers located a 38-year-old female who had been stabbed several times.  The suspect fled the scene, and was last seen running westbound from the area of Douglas Ave.  A K-9 track was attempted however, the suspect was not located.  The female was transported to Bronson Hospital where she is in fair condition.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100

By authority of: Sgt. Brandon Noble

Date:              October 14, 2018

Address:         150 East Crosstown Parkway, Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:         Captain Brad Misner, Criminal Investigations Division, 269-337-8139

Kalamazoo, MI:  On Saturday, October 13, 2018, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to 4600 W. KL Ave. for the report of an armed robbery that had just occurred.  The employees reported that a lone male entered the business armed with a handgun and demanded money from them.  Officers arrived on scene within one minute of the time of call, but the suspect had already fled from the business on foot with an unknown amount of money.  A K-9 track was conducted, but the suspect was not located.  No employees or customers were injured.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’6”, with a scruffy beard, wearing a grey sweatshirt, and jeans. The suspect had a bandanna partially covering his face.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8120 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

By authority of: Sgt. Doug Hubbell

Date:              October 13, 2018

Address:         150 East Crosstown Parkway, Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:         Captain Brad Misner, Criminal Investigations Division, 269-337-8139

Kalamazoo, MI:  On Friday, October 12, 2018, at 10:08 p.m., Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle near the intersection of West Michigan Avenue and Kenbrooke Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive 40-year-old female lying in the roadway with severe injuries.  Life-saving measures were attempted, but the female succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.  It was determined the victim was struck by two different vehicles while crossing the street.  Both vehicles remained on scene, and alcohol-use by the drivers of the vehicles was not believed to be a factor in the accident.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at 269-337-8994, or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

By authority of:

Sergeant Richard McCall

Date:              October 13, 2018

Address:         150 East Crosstown Parkway, Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:         Captain Brad Misner, Criminal Investigations Division, 269-337-8139

Kalamazoo, MI:  On September 19, 2018, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) officers were attempting to contact a known subject driving on a suspended license in the area of Maple St. and S. Burdick St. This subject fled from officers the night prior and there was probable cause to arrest him based on that violation.

Kalamazoo Public Safety officers moved in to arrest the male utilizing a KDPS vehicle. As officers were exiting the patrol vehicle, the driver started to flee as officers gave commands to stop. As the driver fled, his vehicle struck the KDPS vehicle’s door which struck the officer causing injury. The driver fled to an unknown location.

The officer was transported to Bronson Hospital where he was evaluated. The officer was released with a minor injury.

Charges will be sought against the 19-year-old Kalamazoo resident for felonious assault on a police officer, fleeing and eluding and driving while license suspended.

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

Date: September 19, 2018

Address: 150 East Crosstown Parkway, Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Captain Brad Misner, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139