Officers arrest wanted felon, recover stolen handgun and narcotics

September 21, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On September 20, 2017, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, along with officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Operations Division, conducted an operation on the east side of Kalamazoo in reference to recent gun violence in that area. During this operation, undercover investigators and uniformed officers were utilized.

While in the area, officers observed a wanted felon conduct a drug transaction. The suspect had a 5 count felony warrant for his arrest. The arrest warrant was in reference to a recent shooting that happened in that same area. Surveillance was conducted on the suspect and officers arrested him as he was exiting a local liquor store. During a search of the suspect and his vehicle, officers located a loaded handgun, additional ammunition, heroin, crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and marijuana. The handgun was reported stolen to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department in 2016.

The 21 year old Kalamazoo man was arrested on his outstanding felony warrant. Charges will also be submitted for Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Stolen Handgun, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamines, Delivery of Heroin, and Possession of Marijuana.

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 issue. KVET investigators will continue to actively search for additional suspects related to the recent gun violence.

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: 9/20/2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. David Boysen, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880

Traffic stop leads to search warrant after drugs and weapons seized

August 24, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On August 23, 2017, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) officers, in response to numerous drug/weapons related tips provided by citizens in the 1300 block of James St, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Egleston Ave and James St. Officers had contact with the occupants and arrested a passenger of the vehicle on an outstanding felony warrant. The subject, a 22 year old Kalamazoo resident, resisted arrest and suspected methamphetamine was located on his person. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded, 9mm handgun. A second occupant of the vehicle, a 44 year old resident of Kalamazoo, was arrested for CCW and felon in possession of a firearm.

Following the traffic stop, officers conducted a surveillance operation in the 1300 block of James St while a drug search warrant was drafted. The search warrant was ultimately signed and executed. Officers located six adults and one child inside the residence including two males with outstanding warrants for felony drug and weapons violations. A search of the residence revealed heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

One suspect, a 38 year old Kalamazoo resident, was arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail for possession of heroin, possession of marijuana and maintaining a drug house. Another suspect, a 31 year old Kalamazoo resident, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and maintaining a drug house. Kalamazoo Public Safety officers will be submitting drug related charges on the additional suspects in the case.

Kalamazoo Public Safety officers were assisted with the gracious and vigilant support from citizens. This incident was investigated and solved rapidly with their immense and appreciated help. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is fully committed in ridding the streets of dangerous criminals who affect the quality of life in the neighborhoods. This is a shining example of a community based partnership to aid in the goals of keeping the streets of Kalamazoo safe for all who live in our great City.

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

By authority of: Sgt. Justin Wonders

Date: August 24, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Shannon Bagley, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

KVET shuts down drug house and arrests parole absconder

August 3, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On August 3rd, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and officers from the Community Policing Unit conducted an operation in Interfaith Homes in reference to recent citizen complaints of drug activity and gun violence.

During this operation, officers arrested a 27 year old Kalamazoo man who was a wanted parole absconder. Officers also obtained and executed a search warrant at an apartment inside the complex. Upon searching the residence, officers located suspected heroin and evidence of drug dealing. A 44 year old Kalamazoo man was not arrested but charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Heroin and Maintaining a Drug House will be forwarded to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for review and prosecution.

During this operation, KVET investigators utilized a video surveillance system installed inside the complex by the owners of Interfaith Homes. KVET investigators will continue to aggressively investigate drug and weapons related crimes at Interfaith Homes.

By authority of: Sergeant Matt Schemenauer

Date: 8/3/2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. David Boysen, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880

KVET seizes large amount of crack cocaine, powder cocaine and heroin

January 24, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On January 23rd, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team executed a search warrant in the 3300 block of W Main St in the Township of Kalamazoo. This warrant was in reference to an on-going investigation into the distribution of Heroin and Crack Cocaine from a suspect living in the area.

Prior to executing the search warrant, the suspect was arrested outside of the residence. A search of his person revealed a large amount of Crack Cocaine, Powder Cocaine and over 8 grams of high quality Heroin, equal to approximately 80 user doses of heroin.

Upon searching the residence, investigators located additional Powder Cocaine, evidence of the manufacturing of Crack Cocaine, a loaded handgun and over $23,000.00 in US currency believed to be the proceeds of drug trafficking. A 26 year old Kalamazoo Township man was arrested for Possession With Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Maintaining a Drug House. The suspect was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. This case will be forwarded to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

KVET investigators will continue to aggressively investigate heroin distribution in Kalamazoo County in order to combat this horrible drug.

By authority of: Sergeant Matt Schemenauer

Date: 1/24/2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. David Boysen, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880

Investigation leads to crack cocaine, crystal meth, and heroine

December 28, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: Friday, December 23, 2016 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Slenk was on routine patrol when he came across a single car accident in the area of Sheldon/2nd Street. The driver, a Kalamazoo area resident on parole, saw PSO Slenk and took off running. After a lengthy foot pursuit, the subject was taken into custody with the assistance of a citizen who was passing by. Once in custody, a quantity of powder cocaine; crack cocaine; crystal meth; heroine; and a scale was seized. The suspect was lodged on numerous charges.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt. Gretchen Mayo

Date: Friday, December 23, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139