KALAMAZOO, MI: On October 13, 2016, at about 1246 hours, a victim called Dispatch to report a hit-and-run accident in the area of W. North Street and N. Rose Street. The victim began following the vehicle until the suspect stopped, exited, and pointed a handgun at him. The victim took cover but continued to follow the suspect when he drove away. The victim provided updated locations until Public Safety Officers were able to catch up and initiate a traffic stop.

Initially, the suspect stopped but then got back into his vehicle and fled. The suspect exceeded the speed limit and disregarded traffic controls devices but could not lose the officers. The pursuit lasted several minutes only ending when the suspect stopped on Catherine Street and W Main Street. The suspect again exited his vehicle but did not follow orders. Suspect reached into his pockets and looked back to the vehicle. Fearing that the suspect was going to retrieve a gun, a Public Safety police K9 was sent. The K9 bit the suspect giving officers time to close the distance and arrest the suspect after a brief struggle.

The suspect was taken to Bronson Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. After being treated, the suspect, a 28 year-old Galesburg resident, was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on charges of Resisting an Officer, Fleeing and Eluding, Felonious Assault, Possession of Controlled Substances including Heroin, Marijuana, and Methamphetamine. The gun used in this incident turned out to be an airsoft-style handgun.

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: October 14, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety 337-8139