Armed Robbery

Kalamazoo, Michigan:  On Monday, January 11, 2021 at approximately 6:55p.m. officers from Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the 2100 block of S. Burdick regarding an armed robbery that just occurred.  Three males entered the Tienda Guatemalteca and robbed the store at gunpoint.  The store employees complied with the demands of the armed robbers who then fled the store.  Kalamazoo Public Safety officers quickly responded; but, the suspects were not located.

Officers obtained video and were able to see a small silver sedan fleeing the area immediately after the robbery.  All three suspects were wearing black hooded sweatshirts and were wearing masks.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8139 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

Authority:

Ex. Lt. Michael Treu

https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/2021/01/27/armed-robbery-9/

Good Afternoon,

On behalf of the City of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, I would like to thank you for being here and taking the time to listen to my message today.

Today, the City of Kalamazoo established a local State of Emergency. This was only done in order to aid Public Safety and First Responders in managing the large crowds that are predicted to gather for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, in our off campus student areas.

Over the past several years, it has become a tradition in Kalamazoo for local college students to gather to celebrate this holiday. This usually amounts to several thousand people, gathering together, drinking and having house parties. These parties often close streets or consume entire open areas and parking lots. This is an event which requires dozens of law enforcement officers and first responders from many local jurisdictions.

KDPS has planned for this event, as in years’ past, but now we find ourselves in a unique time where a worldwide pandemic has been declared. The State of Michigan now has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In light of the current health situation, the Governor’s temporary prohibition on large assemblies, and the information released in the past hour by the President, we now have other considerations in managing large crowds outside of traditional safety for party-goers.

It appears that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parties in Kalamazoo have evolved into a larger event than in past years. This is due to the current status of different universities and colleges, and the availability of students to attend these large gatherings. We have credible information that Kalamazoo will host a ‘state-wide’ house crawl party. For KDPS and local First Responders to manage the crowds of thousands, we have determined it is necessary to declare a police zone.

A police zone will be designated in the off campus areas where the large gatherings have traditionally occurred. Only verified residents in the area will be allowed inside the police zone. The police zone will include street closures and i.d. checks. Law enforcement will be taking strict enforcement of party-involved activities, per local ordinances and laws. Our local law enforcement partners will be assisting us, and in turn, we will assist them if these gatherings move to other locations.

Our goal is to prohibit a large gathering in order to protect the safety of our students, visitors and our first responders. We all are trying to slow the spread of COVID-19. By limiting these large gatherings is one of many ways. We do not want anyone to be infected, or to carry the virus to different parts of the state or to infect first responders, whose staffing strength is imperative to weathering this current crisis.

We appreciate the support of our local higher education institutions in our efforts for community safety.

I have informed you of our actions and I am now asking you to take precautions to protect everyone, including yourselves, and to not attend a large gathering, to include any St. Patrick’s Day events.

Please help to share this message.

Chief Karianne Thomas

For any additional information contact the Office of the Chief at 269-337-8270.

Stolen Vehicle
JANUARY 11, 2020 BY MIKE TREU
Kalamazoo, MI:
On January 11, 2020, at around 3pm Kalamazoo Public Safety officers were on patrol when they located a stolen vehicle driving in the downtown area. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled from them. Officers pursued the vehicle to the Elm St area where the suspect ran on foot.

PSO Cole and K9 Echo arrived on scene to track the suspect. After tracking through several yards the suspect was located hiding between two garages. The juvenile suspect was arrested for Possession of stolen auto, fleeing and eluding and resisting arrest. This suspect was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home.

An adult passenger in the vehicle was arrested on an outstanding warrant and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt. Jeff DeBlecourt