Firearm Located During Foot Patrol

April 24, 2017 by Jon Thurn

Kalamazoo, MI: On April 23, 2017, at approximately 12:45 AM, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers were conducting a Directed Patrol in the 2900-block of W Michigan Ave due to repeated complaints of crowds and illegal activity in the parking lot. While officers were walking through the lot an officer detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and made contact with the male in the driver’s seat.

At the same time a second officer was speaking with one of the passengers and noticed a marijuana joint stuck behind his ear. The passenger was asked to step out of the vehicle while officers gathered additional information. During this time officers noticed the subject’s very suspicious behavior, as he continuously attempted to turn his body away from officers. While speaking with the subject, an officer noticed the grip of a gun sticking out of his pocket. The subject was immediately taken into custody. The handgun was reported stolen out of Kalamazoo Township.

A 20-year-old male was found to be in possession of a stolen .22 semi-auto pistol. KDPS will be seeking charges for Possession of a Stolen Firearm, CCW, Felony Firearm, Possession of Marijuana, and MIP. The suspect was lodged at the Kalamazoo Co Jail.

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
Date: April 23, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vic Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division 337-8139

Gun recovered from Phoenix High School student

March 9, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

The safety of our students and our residents is our top priority.

On March 9, 2016, at approximately 10:09 a.m., the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the 1400 block of Oakland (Phoenix High) after a student had refused to leave the school premises. When the officer arrived at the school he observed the student leaving the school grounds. The officer was immediately contacted and advised by the school security officer that the student appeared to have something in his waistband. As the officer approached the student, he fled on foot and the officer pursued. During the foot chase the student discarded a hand gun. The student was apprehended several blocks away from the school and the handgun was recovered by Public Safety.

No one was injured as a result of this incident. The student is a 17 year old Kalamazoo resident. He was arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. The student name is not being released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding street violence, or other crimes, is asked to call Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Lt. David Thomas

Date: March 9, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vic Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

Firearm recovered, juvenile arrested after canine track

January 19, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On Monday January 18th, 2016, at approximately 5:15pm, Kalamazoo Public Safety was dispatched to the 600 block of W. Ransom on a report of an assault where the suspect had fired a round as he left the residence. Officers made contact with the victim, a 19 year old Kalamazoo resident, who told officers she had gotten into an argument with an acquaintance. During the argument, the male acquaintance pointed a handgun at the victim, and upon leaving the residence, fired a shot. No one was injured in the incident.

Public Safety officers tracked the suspect with a K-9 to a residence several blocks away. The 16 year old suspect was located inside the residence as was a stolen handgun. The suspect was arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home on charges of Felonious Assault, Felony Firearm, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The handgun had been stolen out of Coldwater, MI.

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. Brad Misner

Man shot in 800 block of Woodbury Ave

December 13, 2015 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On Sunday, December 13th, 2015, at approximately 3:53 a.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 800 block of Woodbury Avenue on a report of multiple gunshots fired. Upon arrival, officers found a 33 year-old male with a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was transported to Bronson Hospital for medical treatment and is listed in stable condition. Detectives are currently investigating the case.

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. Matt Huber

Date: December 13th, 2015
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139