KALAMAZOO, Mich. – On the morning of Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded to a call of shots fired on Woodbury Street around 4:15 a.m.

Upon arriving on the scene, the first responding officers found that a 41-year-old Kalamazoo man had been shot. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

“We send our deepest condolences to the friends, family members, and loved ones of the man who lost his life this morning in more senseless gun violence in our community,” said David Boysen, Deputy Chief of KDPS. “We must all work together to put an end to gun violence in Kalamazoo. That’s why I am urging anyone with information about what happened in this situation to come forward and help us find the people responsible for this terrible crime.”

While investigating, KDPS officers later learned of a second gunshot victim who was struck by a stray bullet while inside a house in the 600 block of Florence. The 27-year-old Kalamazoo man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he is in stable condition and receiving treatment.

The situation is under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division of KDPS, and at the time, there are no known suspects.

There is no ongoing threat to the community.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at (269)488-8911 or Silent Observer at (269)343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

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Date: 08/12/21

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

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


Kalamazoo, MI: On August 11th, Investigators with the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) executed three search warrants at the 700 block of East Vine Street, Kalamazoo, the 2500 block of Hazel Avenue, Kalamazoo, and the 35000 block of County Road 358 of Paw Paw, with the assistance of the Kalamazoo Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Kalamazoo SWAT Team, and the Van Buren County Narcotics Unit. These warrants were in reference to a methamphetamine distribution, illegal firearms, and stolen vehicle investigation. KVET investigators were able to identify the suspects and learned that they were distributing methamphetamine to subjects within the Kalamazoo area as well as possessing illegal firearms, stealing vehicles, and selling stolen vehicle parts. The primary suspect was also a wanted parole absconder from Michigan Department of Corrections.

While executing these search warrants and the arrest of the primary suspect of this investigation, the individual attempted to flee from KVET Investigators on a motorcycle and crashed into a police vehicle. The suspect then resisted officers while reaching for a loaded firearm in his possession. Investigators were able to take him into custody without serious injury to the suspect or officers.

During a search of the homes, properties, and involved subjects, Investigators located crystal methamphetamine, controlled substance pills packaged for illegal sale, drug distribution packaging materials, six semi-auto pistols, an AR style rifle, numerous magazines and ammo, multiple stolen vehicles and dismantled vehicle parts, and approximately four thousand dollars of suspected drug proceeds. Charges will be submitted on seven suspects contacted during the search warrants for charges such as Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Felony Firearm, Possession of Stolen Firearms, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of Stolen Vehicles, Fleeing and Eluding, and Resisting and Obstructing Police. The seven suspects were identified as Kalamazoo and Paw Paw area residents ranging from twenty years old to sixty-two years old.

The Kalamazoo area has experienced an increase in vehicle thefts, methamphetamine use/trafficking, and firearms violence this summer. KVET would like to thank the citizens who submitted tips and gave information related to this incident.

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 Justin Wolbrink

Date: Friday, July 23, 2021

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

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

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Friday, July 23, 2021 at approximately 11:30 a.m., officers with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to reports of a man with a gun who was forcing entry into a residence in the 1300 block of Fox Ridge Drive.

Officers arrived in the area and attempted to contact an individual who matched the description provided by a witness.  The subject fled from officers on foot; however, was soon after caught and arrested.  The firearm used during this incident was recovered during this investigation.

The suspect was arrested regarding charges of armed home invasion, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting and obstructing a police officer, and assault.  The suspect was also arrested for violating release conditions established from previous criminal activity where he was released on bond.

Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of this incident.

Anyone having any information regarding this incident or any other incident involving recent gun violence is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 / kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Authority:

Lieutenant Charles Treppa

On July 18, 2021 at 6:44 a.m., KDPS officers responded to a residence in the 1000-block of S Rose St on a report of a shooting. Minutes later, a 21-year-old male arrived at a local hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound. The suspect, a 25-year-old Kalamazoo resident, was located a short time later and taken into custody. He was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder.

The victim is currently hospitalized in critical condition.

Anyone having information regarding this incident of gun violence is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at (269) 488-8911 or Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100.

By authority of: Sgt. Chuck Mason

Date: Sunday, July 18, 2021

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

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

Kalamazoo, MI: On 7-17-2021 at approximately 08:30am Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the 4300blk of S. Westnedge at Discount Tire after employees had located a suspicious suitcase that had a wire sticking out of it behind the business. Upon inspecting the bag, a suspicious object inside with wires sticking out of it was observed. The Kalamazoo Public Safety Bomb Squad responded and determined the object was not an explosive and not a danger to the public.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Operations Division at (269) 337-8150 or Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100.


By authority of: Sgt. Doug Hubbell

Date: 7-17-2021

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

Contact: Captain Matt Elzinga, 337-8367