550 W Crosstown fire update

January 7, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Initial News Release: Residents of 550 W Crosstown location and contact information

On arrival at 550 W. Crosstown Public Safety Officers observed a female resident on a 7th floor balcony with heavy smoke and fire conditions inside the apartment. Rescue efforts began immediately and the resident was rescued from the balcony and transported to Bronson Hospital by LIFE EMS. The resident did pass away at Bronson Hospital and the family of the victim has been notified. Kalamazoo Public Safety extends our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Authority of Lt. Michael Kelley

Date: January 7th, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, (269) 337-8140

Residents of 550 W Crosstown location and contact information

January 7, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On 01-07-17 Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the report of a fire at 550 W. Crosstown (Crosstown Parkway Apartments). Due to the fire, the residents of the apartment complex were evacuated. With the assistance of Kalamazoo Metro Transit the residents were transported to the YMCA located at 1001 W. Maple, Kalamazoo MI. LIFE Ambulance, Red Cross and YMCA personnel along with KDPS officers are at the YMCA. They are attending to the medical and personal needs of the displaced residents as well as providing for their safety.

Family of residents at 550 W. Crosstown can call and check if their loved ones are at the YMCA, but will not be able to speak with them on the phone at this time. The YMCA will provide information and directions for those seeking out their family and friends. The phone number provided by the YMCA (269) 345-9622 Extension 111.

Public Safety is requesting anyone with information about this incident to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Authority of Lt. Michael Kelley

Date: January 7th, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, (269) 337-8140

Subject arrested for starting fire in 1100 block of Francis Ct

December 31, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On Thursday, December 29, 2016, at approximately 10:10 P.M., Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the 1100 block of Francis Court regarding a possible structure fire. Upon arrival officers found an unattached garage fully engulfed in fire. The fire was quickly growing and beginning to impinge upon the adjacent house. Crews were able to keep the fire from extending to the house and it sustained only minor damage to the exterior. The garage was a total loss. There were no injuries.

A twenty year old Kalamazoo resident has been arrested for starting the fire. He is currently being held at the Kalamazoo County Jail awaiting arraignment.

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. Lance Handlogten

Date: December 30, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

Update: Kalamazoo man dies in residential structure fire

December 22, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

The victim of the fatal house fire has been identified as 60 year old R.C. Jones of Kalamazoo, MI. Kalamazoo Public Safety would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Jones. The Fire Marshal continues to investigate the cause and origin of the fire.

By authority of: Lt. Matt Huber

Date: December 22, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

Kalamazoo man dies in residential structure fire

December 20, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On 12-19-2016, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to a report of a fire at approximately 10:55 p.m. in the 1700 block of N. Rose Street. Calls via 911 reported that someone may be trapped inside. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire conditions in the home. The fire had already vented out 3 sides of the home, making conditions inside the home untenable for firefighters to enter the building. Attempts were made to enter the home, but fire conditions were too intense. A defensive fire attack commenced in frigid weather conditions. Two residents were reported in the home at the time. One resident was able to exit and the second resident was believed to still be inside the home. Fire crews were able to get the fire under control in about an hour. During overhaul, firefighters located the body of a male subject inside the residence.

Fire crews were on scene for several hours investigating the fire and extinguishing hot spots. Officers have made identification on the male, being the 60 year old resident of the home. The victim’s name is not being released pending notification of the family. The cause of the fire and the man’s death are currently under investigation by the 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. Sean Gordon

Date: December 20th, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139