Fatal crash at Speedway gas station

January 22, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On January 22, 2017, at about 7:17 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the report of fire at the Speedway Gas Station, 3908 S Westnedge Avenue. On arrival, officers found a gas pump on fire and an injured man. Officers were able to quickly extinguish the fire. Officers also tended to the injured man in coordination with LIFE Paramedics and an MSU 1 physician. This team of officers, paramedics and physician provided care on scene until transporting the injured man to Bronson Hospital.

The investigation showed that the victim’s injuries were the result of a traffic crash. The victim was pumping gas when a vehicle crashed into him and a gas pump. The vehicle was driven by a 74 year old female resident of Mattawan. The crash injured the man and started a fire. A witness pulled the injured man from the fire to a safe location. Dispatch received multiple calls and immediately dispatched all necessary resources. The first units were on scene within minutes of being dispatched.

Unfortunately, the injured man, Michael Seyoum a 53 year old Kalmazoo resident, succumbed to injuries. Kalamazoo Public Safety extends our heartfelt condolences to the Seyoum family in this time of mourning.

This incident remains under investigation. No arrests have been made. Neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be a factor in this crash.

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: Lt. Diaz

Date: January 22, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety 337-8139

Propane tank causes evacuation at local business

January 21, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

On January, 21st, 2017, around 1303hrs Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to a report of a possible propane fire in the 700blk of E Michigan, Arcadia Brewing Company. The first arriving officers noticed smoke coming from a propane burner on the exterior deck. The building was evacuated for 15-20 minutes until Public Safety Officers were able to extinguish the propane burner. The propane burner was extinguished quickly by Public Safety Officer without further incident.

Once the scene was rendered safe patrons and staff where allowed to re-enter the business.

Anyone have information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

Authority: Sgt Scott Smith

Date: January 21, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, 337-8140

Victim identified in 550 W Crosstown fire

January 9, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Initial News Release: Residents of 550 W Crosstown location and contact information
Update #2: 550 W Crosstown fire update

The victim of the fatal apartment fire has been identified as 74 year old Barbara Posey of Kalamazoo, MI. Kalamazoo Public Safety would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Posey. The Fire Marshal continues to investigate the cause and origin of the fire.

Date: January 9, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, (269) 337-8140

House fire extinguished in 1200 block of 4th St

January 9, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

KALAMAZOO, MI: January 5, 2017, at about 10:31 PM, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the 1200 block of 4th Street for a house fire. Arriving officers found a fully involved residence and started a defensive fire attack. Due to the amount of fire, officers worked about 2 hours to control the blaze in difficult conditions. The frigid temperatures hovered in the single digits with wind chills at times below 0.

The four occupants of the house, two adults and two children, were able to escape the fire. All four sought medical treatment at Bronson Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Public Safety made arrangements for the Red Cross to contact the occupants to address housing needs.

The fire is considered suspicious and remains under investigation by the Fire Marshall.

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: Lt. Diaz

Date: January 5, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety 337-8139

Garage fire extinguished in 2100 block of Stetson Ct

January 9, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On Sunday, January 08th, 2017 at approximately 7:12 a.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to a report of a fire in the 2100 Block of Stetson. Upon arrival, officers encountered a large two story detached garage with fire coming through the roof. Officers were unable to make entry into the building to extinguish the fire due to structural concerns and fought the fire from the outside. Public Safety officers were able to extinguish the majority of the fire within 25 minutes of arriving on scene.

There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Kalamazoo Fire Marshal’s office.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Lt. Michael Kelley

Date: January 8th, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, 337-8142