Kalamazoo, MI: On Tuesday April 25, 2017, at approximately 6:46 pm, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to a report of a house fire in the 3400 block of Knox St. The information further stated that the fire was potentially set during a home invasion at the residence.
After arriving on scene it was determined that three unknown males, one of which was armed with a knife, attempted to force their way into the back door. The resident was not home during the incident but a guest who was visiting at the time, attempted to barricade the door to prevent the suspects from entering. The suspects then ignited a fire inside the enclosed back porch using an accelerant. When the suspects began breaking through the front door the subject fled out the back door and began running from the residence.
All three suspects were seen leaving the scene in an older model black sedan. The residence was targeted due to a recent dispute between the victim and the suspects. The fire was extinguished by the occupant using a garden hose and there was minimal damage to the residence.
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: Sgt. Marc Rifenberg
Date: April 25, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8319
UPDATE
On 4-26-17 around 2:08am, a Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer spotted the black sedan in the area of Howard and Crosstown. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle in the 1900blk of South Westnedge. The vehicle was occupied by 3 males. Evidence from the home invasion was discovered in the vehicle along with several ounces of marijuana. A 26 year old Kalamazoo resident was arrested on several charges to include home invasion and arson. The investigation into the identity of the other 2 suspects from the home invasion is ongoing.
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. Anthony Morgan