Parole compliance check leads to drug arrest

March 30, 2018 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On March 29th, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team partnered with parole agents from the Michigan Department of Corrections to conduct after hours compliance checks on subjects on parole in the County of Kalamazoo. These checks are to ensure subjects on parole are obeying their restrictions and are living in safe and supportive environments.

While conducting a compliance check at an address in the 700 block of Charlotte Ave, a subject on parole answered the door with over one ounce of Crystal Methamphetamine in his hand. It appeared that the suspect was about to conduct a drug transaction. During a subsequent search of the residence, investigators located over one pound of high grade Marijuana and evidence of drug sales. The suspect, a 25 year old Kalamazoo man, was arrested and will be facing charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamines, Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana and several parole violations. All charges will be sent to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office for review.

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: 3/29/2018
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. Brad Misner, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880

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.

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

Shots Fired Call Leads to Search Warrant

September 19, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On September 18th, 2017 at approximately 10:30am, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety was dispatched to the 1300 Block of N Church St in reference to a “shots fired” call. The initial call was received from a concerned citizen in the area whom provided limited suspect information. Nonetheless, officers made contact with a 38 year old Kalamazoo resident, whom matched the description of the possible shooter. Throughout the course of the investigation, officers located a firearm and a small quantity of marijuana inside a residence, which was in very close proximity to the initial shots fired call. Based on this information, officers were able to attain a search warrant which was executed at the residence. A subsequent search yielded a large quantity of marijuana and evidence of marijuana distributing.

Several charges will be sought against the Kalamazoo resident.

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. David Moran

Date: September 18th, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Shannon Bagley, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

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

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Handgun Seizure

July 17, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

On July 15, 2017 at about 2000 hours, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers Andrew Werkema and Gregory Day conducted a traffic stop of a motor vehicle stemming from suspicious activity observed in the 1000 block of Clarence.

Upon contact with the vehicle’s occupants officers detected the presence of narcotics in the vehicle and a search was conducted. Inside of the vehicle officers located an amount of marijuana and a loaded handgun.

The operator of the vehicle, a 23 year old Kalamazoo resident was arrested for possession of marijuana and carrying a concealed weapon as well as two unrelated warrants.

The subject is currently being held at the Kalamazoo County Jail awaiting arraignment.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8139 or Silent Observed at 343-2100.

Authority: Sgt. Charles Treppa

Date: July 15, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Shannon Bagley, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety 337-8139