Kalamazoo, MI: On April 7th, 2019 Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officers were responding to multiple calls for service related to crowds, fights, noise and shots fired in the areas of 700 and 1100 blocks of Douglas Ave, 1500 Fox Ridge Dr, 900 N Westnedge Ave, 1100 Princeton Ave, 700 Hawley St and 400 W Michigan Ave related to what is commonly referred to as the “x-train”. The calls for service related to these issues extended from approximately midnight to 0330hrs and were addressed by multiple officers. The following investigations were conducted during this time period:

At approximately 12:05 am officers responded to the area of Florence and N Westnedge for a report of a female firing a handgun. During the investigation the suspect was located and identified as a 22 year old female Kalamazoo resident who was arrested on felony charges related to felonious assault and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Officers responded to the area of Princeton Ave and Norway Ave around 1:30 AM for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival no one was located in the area but a total of 12 spent shell casings were located along the roadway between Norway and W Paterson Ave. It appeared the rounds were fired from a moving vehicle.

At approximately 2:40 AM a traffic stop was conducted in the 700 block of Douglas Ave as officers continued to address the x-train. During the traffic stop ammunition was observed inside the vehicle which ultimately led to the recovery of an unregistered handgun. The driver of the vehicle, a 22 year old Kalamazoo resident was arrested on felony charges related to the gun.

At approximately 3:20 officers responded to a hit and run accident near the area of E Frank and N Burdick St. When officers arrived there were no vehicles near this intersection however shortly thereafter one of the vehicles was located at N Burdick and W Paterson with front end damage. A 39 year old Kalamazoo male was arrested for Operating while intoxicated.

Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.
By authority of: Lt VanderKlok

Kalamazoo, MI: On Sunday, April 04, 2019, at approximately 9 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to a structure fire in the 700-block of Academy. Public Safety Officers arrived and encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions throughout the home. Interior search and rescue attempts were made despite the heavy fire conditions. The structure was quickly deemed unsafe for interior firefighting leading to a defensive attack from the exterior.

The structure contained at least nine apartments. One occupant was injured and transported to a local hospital. Red Cross was contacted and responded to assist the displaced residents. The structure was heavily damaged. Firefighters are still on scene and are continuing with fire suppression efforts. This investigation is in the preliminary stages and will be headed by the Fire Marshal.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 269-488-8911 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt. Ryan Preston

Date: April 5, 2019

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

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

On April 7, 2018 at approximately 4:00 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers were dispatched to the 900 block of N Burdick regarding the report of a shooting.

Responding Officers arrived and located one victim who appeared to have been struck by gunfire. The victim, Terrance Jaleel Swinney, a 26 year old Kalamazoo resident was rushed to a local hospital, however was later pronounced dead after succumbing to his injuries.

On April 3rd, 2019, Kalamazoo Public Safety Detective Joe Paul swore to a two count warrant for Open Murder and Felony Firearm issued for Johnnie Williams-Hopkins. Williams-Hopkins is a 29 year old Portage resident. Williams-Hopkins is currently being held at the Kalamazoo County Jail. Williams-Hopkins was arraigned today in 8th District Court on the charges listed.

This case has been a year-long investigation for Kalamazoo Public Safety. It is a culmination of hard work by many that will hopefully bring closure to the Swinney family. Kalamazoo Public Safety would like to pass along the condolences to the Swinney family.

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: Captain Brad Misner

Date: April 4th, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Brad Misner, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety 337-8139

On Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 around 8:00 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 1200 block of Douglas Ave for a report of an apartment fire. When officers arrived on scene they found heavy smoke conditions coming from an apartment on the second floor inside a multi-level apartment building. It was unknown to officers if there were residents still inside the apartment and search/rescue efforts were immediately started. No one was located inside.

Fire suppression efforts were started and the fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes. Officers were on scene for just over an hour conducting firefighter operations. The fire was contained to one apartment, however there was minor water damage sustained to surrounding apartments. The building had an operational sprinkler system which was critical in this incident in containing the fire and preventing fire spread throughout the building.

No civilians or firefighters were injured in this incident. Two residents were temporarily displaced due to the fire, but are receiving services through the Red Cross. 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 488-8911, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds

Date: Tuesday, April 02, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Matthew Huber, Operations Division, 269-337-8120