Accidental shooting injures female, male subject arrested

January 25, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On 01-25-17 at approximately 3:00 pm officers responded to the 300 Block of Phelps in reference to a subject that had been shot. On arrival, officers found a female victim that had been shot in the leg. She was transported to Bronson Hospital and her injuries were determined to be non- life threatening.

The female victim told officers that during horseplay she had been accidentally shot in the leg by a male acquaintance, who was in possession of a handgun. The handgun was located at the scene and found to have been reported stolen out of Grand Rapids.

The male subject was arrested for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Handgun. He was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail.

Public Safety is requesting anyone with information about this crime to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, the Criminal Investigation Division at 337-8139, or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Authority of Lt. Michael Kelley

Date: January 25th, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigation Division, (269) 337-8139

Firearm recovered after citizen tip

January 25, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

On January 25, 2017 around 2:47pm., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the 4000 block of W Michigan on a 911 call of a man with a gun. The caller had observed a male holding a handgun, in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The caller then observed the male get into a vehicle that had left the apartment complex. As officers were checking the area the vehicle returned to the apartment complex. Contact was made with the occupants and a Berretta 9mm handgun was located on the front seat passenger.

A Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer recognized the driver from a shots fired investigation in November of 2016. The officer was able to gain a confession from the driver of his involvement in that unsolved incident. A third occupant of the vehicle was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Thanks to the alert citizen, a 19 year old male was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm. A 20 year old male will be facing charges related to the November weapons violation and also possession of marijuana.

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: Lt Anthony Morgan

Date: January 25, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigation Division, 337-8139

Citizen report leads to recovery of a firearm

January 20, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

On January 19, 2017 at approximately 2036 hours Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Amir Khillah responded to the 3200 block of Emerald Dr, Emerald Drive Park, for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The refused caller was concerned the vehicle occupants were engaged in illegal activity. When PSO Khillah arrived he detected an odor of marijuana from the vehicle.

During the investigation both the female and male occupants admitted to smoking marijuana prior to police arrival. As officers continued to investigate a handgun was located lying on the floor near a male occupant. The 19 year old male, a Kalamazoo resident, was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. The other vehicle occupant, a 19 year old female, from Schoolcraft was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

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. Ryan Preston

Date: January 20, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety CID, 337-8139

Firearm located after fight

January 16, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On January 12, 2017, at approximately 8:05 PM, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers were dispatched to a fight inside the Family Dollar, located at 1261 Portage St. Upon arrival, officers were quickly informed that the suspect was seen with a gun getting into a white minivan, which left the area. A short time later PSO Werkema located the vehicle close-by and he attempted a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle failed to stop and fled the area.

The suspect vehicle was located a short time later unoccupied by PSO Day. A perimeter was set up and a K9 track was conducted. Two occupants of the vehicle were located and detained. However, the suspect was not located. During the investigation officers located a loaded firearm, marijuana and several prescription pills in the suspect vehicle. No arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident, or other criminal activity, is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100, www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt. Kristie Hofer #11088

Date: January 13, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vic Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division 337-8139

Officers execute search warrant, locate firearms and suspected drugs

January 6, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On January 5th, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, along with officers from the Kalamazoo Metro SWAT Team, executed a search warrant in the 700 block of Hawley St. This warrant was in reference to citizen complaints of high levels of drug activity and violence in the area which were affecting the quality of life in the neighborhood.

Upon entering the residence, three adults were located inside. During a search of the home, investigators located two loaded handguns stationed at each door of the residence, two loaded shotguns, suspected Crack Cocaine, suspected powder Cocaine, and a large amount of US currency. One of the shotguns was reported stolen in 2016 from Battle Creek.

Of the three adults located in the home, two were arrested for several felony charges. A 35 year old Kalamazoo man was arrested for Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Maintaining a Drug House. A 31 year old Detroit man was arrested for Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Maintaining a Drug House. Both suspects were lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. This case will be forwarded to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office for review.

Investigators made contact with several citizens in the neighborhood in reference to the action taken during this investigation. Many of the citizens contacted expressed their appreciation to the officers for addressing this problem house.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drugs or firearms activity is urged to contact KVET at 269-337-8880, or report an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sergeant Matt Schemenauer

Date: 1/5/2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. David Boysen, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880