South Burdick Street Garage Fire

March 6, 2019 by Danielle Guilds

On Wednesday, March 6^th, 2019 around 10:38 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 1400 block of S Burdick St for a report of a garage fire. When officers arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke coming from an unattached garage behind a residence. A resident from the home advised that the garage was being used as living space for several homeless subjects. The resident was unsure if anyone was still inside the garage. Fire suppression and rescue operations were immediately started. No one was located inside the garage and the fire was brought under control in approximately 25 minutes. Officers were on scene for just under two hours conducting fire fighting operations. The garage sustained significant damage. One firefighter received a minor injury while on scene, but medical attention was not necessary. The fire cause is under investigation by the Fire Marshal.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds

Date: Wednesday, March 06, 2019

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

Contact: Acting Captain Sean Gordon, Operations Division, 269-337-8120

Denner Street House Fire Fatality

March 5, 2019 by Danielle Guilds

On Tuesday, March 5^th, 2019 around 7:05 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 1000 block of Denner St for a report of a structure fire. When officers arrived on scene they found heavy smoke coming from a two-story residence. Concerned neighbors advised that the homeowner, a 65 year-old female, was likely still inside the home. Fire suppression and rescue efforts were immediately started. It was quickly found that the fire had already advanced in the basement causing a partial floor collapse on the first floor. The collapse greatly limited rescue and fire suppression capabilities. Rescue efforts were additionally hindered by severe hoarding conditions inside the home. The homeowner was later found deceased inside the residence. The name of the homeowner is not being released at this time until all family notifications can be made.

Firefighters were on scene for several hours conducting fire fighting operations. Operations on scene were hampered by the cold weather which caused delays in water supply due to hydrants being frozen. One firefighter sustained a minor injury while on the scene; however medical attention was not required. The fire cause is under investigation by the Fire Marshal.

By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds

Date: Tuesday, March 05, 2019

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

Contact: Acting Captain Sean Gordon, Operations Division, 269-337-8120

Subjects shot by a Paintball Gun

February 22, 2019 by Chad VanderKlok

Date: Friday, February 22, 2019

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

Contact: Captain Misner, 337-8139

Subjects shot with a paintball gun

Kalamazoo, MI: On February 21st Kalamazoo Public Safety received a call for a person who had been shot by a paintball gun from a vehicle near the intersection of Redwood Ave and Greenwood Ave. Numerous officers responded and upon checking the area, officers were approached by other victims who had also been shot at. A vehicle and persons of interest were quickly located and identified. A 22 year old Kalamazoo man was arrested on unrelated warrants.

No serious injuries were reported from the incident.

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. Nielsen

3 handguns seized in past week

February 21, 2019 by Chad VanderKlok

Date: February 21, 2019

Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Captain Misner, 337-8139

Four arrested, 3 handguns seized

Kalamazoo, MI: Over the last 6 days 4 suspects have been arrested in 3 separate investigations resulting in the recovery of 3 firearms.

The first incident was on Friday, February 15, 2019 around 10:00 p.m. while Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officers were conducting surveillance in the 1400 block of Fox Ridge in response to a tip. Officers contacted a vehicle occupied by two subjects. During the investigation, a handgun, ammunition and drugs were located in the vehicle. As a result of this investigation a 30 year old female from Grand Rapids was arrested on a warrant and a 32 year old male from Rockford was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon, Felon in possession of a handgun and ammo.

The second incident took place on Sunday, February 17 around 10:00 p.m. while officers were conducting surveillance in the 700 block of North Westnedge a traffic stop was made on a vehicle. During the investigation a loaded handgun was located on the driver. After officers searched the vehicle, several loaded magazines and Cocaine was also located. A 23 year old Kalamazoo man was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon, felony firearm and possession of Cocaine.

The third incident took place on Wednesday, February 20 around 10:30 p.m. while officers were conducting surveillance in the 1400 block of Fox Ridge, a traffic stop was made following observations of suspected criminal activity. An occupant of the vehicle was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was found to have a loaded handgun with him in his bag. The 33 year old male from Paw Paw was arrested for a warrant and carrying a concealed weapon.

Anyone who has information regarding criminal activity is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

By authority of: Sgt Bentley

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Howard and Oakland Road Closure

February 19, 2019 by Chad VanderKlok

Date: February 19th, 2019

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

Contact: Captain Matt Huber, Operations Division, 269-337-8140

Oakland Drive/Howard Street Closed

Kalamazoo, MI: February 19th, 2019, the area of Oakland Drive/Howard Street is currently shut down by Consumers Energy while they fix a gas leak. The area will be closed until further notice.

Please seek alternative routes during this time; once the gas leak is fixed and the area open, an updated news release will be sent out.

By authority of: Lt. Gretchen

May 2019 Hiring Process Countdown