Search warrant leads to recovery of drugs and stolen firearm

February 12, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: During the afternoon hours of February 10, 2017, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officers was investigating a hand to hand drug sale witnessed by officers. The investigation led to the 100 block of E Clay where officers attempted contact with the residents. While at the house, officers gained probable cause to draft and execute a search warrant. On February 10, 2017 at approximately 1400 hours the signed search warrant was served.

A total of four occupants were found inside the residence. Upon completion of the search warrant, multiple items of contraband were located. Suspected crack cocaine and packaging materials, marijuana, and a stolen firearm were recovered from the residence.

Two females were arrested: The first is a 52 year old resident of Kalamazoo. She was arrested on drug possession charges. The second was a 32 year old resident of Kalamazoo. She was arrested on frequenting a drug house and multiple warrants. The investigation is still ongoing at this time.

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. Kenneth Skibbe

Date: February 10, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigation Division, 337-8139

Suspect arrested after threatening to harm citizen over parking space

January 20, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

On January 20, 2017, around 1339 hrs, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the 700 blk of W Kalamazoo for an assault. The victim in this case called 911 to report that a neighboring resident assaulted him after he temporarily parked in the suspect’s parking space. When the victim did not move his vehicle, the suspect went inside his residence and retrieved an M4 style assault rifle. When the suspect came back outside, he aggressively pointed the firearm in the faces of the victim as well as another neighbor while making threatening statements. The victim moved his vehicle and called the police.

As officers were investigating the incident, they detected the odor of marijuana coming from the suspect’s vehicle as well as his residence. As the investigation unfolded, the M4 assault rifle and marijuana were seized from the suspect’s residence. The suspect is a 21 year old male who will be facing charges of Felonious Assault and possession of marijuana.

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

Authority: Sgt. Justin Wonders

Date: January 20, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigation Division, 337-8139

KVET locates large amount of marijuana and loaded handgun

December 13, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On December 12th, investigators with the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, officers from the Community Policing Unit and members of the Kalamazoo Metro SWAT Team executed a search warrant in the 4400 block of Dover Hills Dr. This warrant was in reference to several citizen complaints of narcotics trafficking and weapons violations. KVET investigators were able to identify the suspect and learned that he was currently on probation out of Muskegon County.

During a search of the home, investigators located a large amount of high grade Marijuana, evidence of the distribution of Marijuana and loaded handgun. Charges will be submitted for Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a firearm, Possession with Intent to Marijuana, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, and Maintaining a Drug House against a 25 year old Muskegon man who was not at the residence during this incident.

Investigators made contact with several citizens in the neighborhood in reference to the action taken during this investigation. All citizens contacted were thankful and appreciative that the problem house was addressed. KVET would like to thank the citizens who submitted tips and gave information related to this incident.

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: 12/13/2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. David Boysen, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880

Tip from vigilant citizen leads to recovery of gun

November 20, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On November 20th, 2016, a citizen called in suspicious activity in the 900 block of Douglas Avenue. The citizen reported observing persons coming and going from a parked car which was occupied. The citizen reported to be witness to several hand to hand drug transactions.

Promptly, Public Safety Officers checked the area and found the vehicle which the witness had described. Upon a citizen contact with the occupants, a strong odor of marijuana was emanating from the interior of the vehicle. The male driver, a citizen of Kalamazoo, admitted to having marijuana and relinquished it to the officer. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and a handgun was located where the driver was sitting.

The driver was arrested for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Marijuana. One of the other occupants of the vehicle was arrested on arrest warrants from multiple jurisdictions.

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. It 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. Kenneth Skibbe

Date: November 20, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigation Division, 337-8139

KVET investigators breakup illegal gun transaction

November 7, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On November 3rd, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team received information that an illegal gun transaction was set to take place between two convicted felons in the 3700 block of Sprinkle Rd.

KVET investigators conducted surveillance of the area and observed the suspect arrive and make contact with a second vehicle. KVET investigators surrounded the vehicle and interrupted the transaction. Based on this investigation, a 35 year old Portage man was arrested for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felony Firearms, and Possession of Marijuana, additionally a 34 year old Kalamazoo man was arrested for Probation Violation. Both suspects were lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. This case will be forwarded to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office for review.

KVET would like to thank citizens for their help and information related to this investigation. KVET will continue to aggressively investigate weapons crimes in an effort to reduce gun violence in our community.

By authority of: Sergeant Matt Schemenauer

Date: 11/3/2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. David Boysen, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880