FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 24, 2021                                                                                                        

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

Kalamazoo residents cautioned of potential for localized flooding following forecasts of heavy rains between June 24 and June 27

Kalamazoo, Mich. – The City of Kalamazoo urges residents to be cautious as heavy rains and rounds of thunderstorms are expected to begin Thursday, June 24, and last throughout the weekend. Residents who live near the Kalamazoo River, Portage Creek, or Axtel Creek are encouraged to closely monitor conditions and take steps to prepare should flooding occur.

On June 24, the National Weather Service issued a weather bulletin due to increased threats for heavy rain and possible flooding in Kalamazoo and across West Michigan.

Flooding on some of our waterways is possible as early as this weekend. the best estimates are that 2-4 inches of rain will fall across a wide area in lower Michigan. These rounds of rain are expected to include thunderstorms with the possibility of rain totals of 5 inches or more locally. This will send plenty of water into the waterways and may potentially cause issues with ponded water at low spots, on roads, and in other poor drainage areas.

Rainfall may also cause localized flooding on some city streets. Drivers are encouraged to exercise extra caution this weekend, especially at night, as ponded water on roads is very difficult to see in the dark.

Additionally, drivers should never move barricades or drive through water and instead seek an alternate route.

Road closures and detours may be necessary in sections of Dutton Street, Jasper Street, Vine Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street, Park Street, Rose Street, and Crosstown Parkway near the Crosstown Ponds. The East Michigan Avenue viaduct is expected to remain open, however motorists should stay alert to potential changes or additional street closures.

The City of Kalamazoo, in coordination with its partners at the National Weather Service, will continue monitoring weather and river conditions and provide additional information as it becomes available.

Date:  June 22^nd, 2021

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

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

Kalamazoo, MI:

On June 22^nd 2021 at approximately 2:30AM, a Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer stopped a vehicle with an improper plate in the 400 block of Stuart Ave.  Once stopped, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  A police K9 was called to the scene and located the suspect within minutes.  A check of the vehicle determined it to be stolen and a subsequent search of the area located a suspected stolen revolver.  The suspect, a 16 year old Kalamazoo resident, was arrested on numerous felony charges and lodged at the Kalamazoo County juvenile home.

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.

By authority of:  Lieutenant Keaton Nielsen

Date: June 20^th, 2021
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesR@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

On June 20^th, 2021 at approximately 0430hrs Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to 20 Mills St for the report of a structure fire.  First arriving units located the large abandoned brick commercial structure with heavy smoke and flames pouring from the 1^st and 2^nd floors.  It was quickly determined that interior fire suppression was not feasible and a defensive stature was assumed against the inferno. 

After the initial knock down, Public Safety used thermal imaging cameras to check for possible victims inside the structure due to is proximity to the homeless encampment and did not locate anyone.

The fire was brought under control in approximately 45 minutes however, due to a partial interior collapse of the floor and deteriorating structural issues, Public Safety remained on scene for hours putting out hot spots.  An excavator was brought to the scene to open part of the structure to assist with extinguishing lingering portions of the fire that were not safely accessible to fire fighters.

The fire is currently being investigated by the Fire Marshal’s office.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8139 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

By authority of: Lt. Keaton Nielsen

Date:  Saturday, June 19, 2021

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

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

Structure Fire

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at approximately 2:45 P.M., officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the 3800 blk of Oakland Dr. for a report of a structure fire. When KDPS officers arrived, heavy smoke was observed coming from the front of the residence.     

KDPS officers were able to bring the fire under control within 10 minutes and are currently still on scene.  The structure was occupied, but the residents were able to self-evacuate.  No injuries occurred during this incident. 

The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office.

Kalamazoo Public Safety would like to remind everyone to talk with family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year. 

Anyone having 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. Eric Reiber

Date:  June 18, 2021

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

Contact:  Ryan Bridges, BridgesR@KalamazooCity.org, (269) 762-2922

On June 18, 2021 at approximately 7:46 p.m. the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded to the 400 Block of Reed Ave for multiple reports of shots fired.  KDPS Officers arrived and located a 21-year-old Kalamazoo resident on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound.  KDPS Officer’s administered aid to the victim on scene.  The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.  The victim was treated at the hospital and is listed in stable condition.  No suspects have been identified. 

Anyone having information regarding this incident 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. John Khillah