Oakland Dr Homicide Investigation

July 22, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Update: The victim from this incident has been identified as Battle Creek resident, Thomas Paul Anders, (21 yrs). This incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

Update: The person of interest in the photo has been identified. He is currently in custody on unrelated charges.

On July 22, 2017, at approximately 02:15 A.M., Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the 800 block of Oakland Dr. regarding a shooting. Upon arrival officers found a 21 year old male in the street with a gunshot wound to his torso. The victim was transported to Bronson Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the suspect shot the victim during an altercation and then fled on foot. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

Authority: Lt. Lance Handlogten

Date: July 22, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Shannon Bagley, Criminal Investigation Division, 337-8139

Traffic crash between bus and car under investigation

May 25, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

On May, 24, 2017, at approximately 7:22pm, Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to a traffic accident between a city bus and a passenger car at Oakland and South Street. An officer was on scene immediately and was able to help injured passengers off the bus. The passenger car had pinned the bus driver in her vehicle. The driver of the passenger car was also un-responsive. Extrication equipment was used to free the bus driver. The driver of the passenger vehicle also had to be extricated from the vehicle. At the time of the crash 6 citizens were riding the bus. Four of the passengers had to be transported to Bronson hospital for non-life threatening injuries. At the time of this press release both the driver of the bus and the driver of the passenger car are in surgery.

The investigation into the circumstances of the crash are on-going. Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.

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: Lt Anthony Morgan

***UPDATE***

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety detectives are currently investigating the traffic accident from Oakland and South Street. The drivers of both vehicles are listed in serious condition. The investigation is still ongoing and speed is still one of the factors in this incident. Detectives will release more information as the investigation continues.

Attached is a segment of KDPS dash cam footage that captured the incident. (Caution footage is graphic):

Authority: D/Sgt William Moore

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

Investigation of suspicious occurrences in Winchell area

December 8, 2016 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On Wednesday November 30, 2016 at approximately 2:45 pm, a young girl was walking in the 2000 block of Oakland drive when she was approached by a person driving a red pickup truck. The person in the truck asked her if she wanted a ride, the young girl said “no” and ran home. The person in the truck drove off. The truck is a red truck with rust on the front wheel well with newer wheels. There is also a Lion mural in the back window.

On Wednesday December 7, 2016 at approximately 6:40 am, the same thing happened to a young boy in the Winchell area. A person driving a red pickup truck asked the young boy if he wanted a ride. The young boy ran and the truck drove off. There were no other details provided at that time.

The descriptions of the driver are similar in both incidents. The driver is described as a Hispanic or light skinned black man, approximately 50 years old, with a beard. At no time did the driver attempt to grab or entice them into the vehicle.

We have stepped up patrols in the area of bus stops in the mornings and afternoons. We are asking for the public to be on the alert for any suspicious behavior concerning strangers asking children if they need a ride. Having students walk in groups or with adults will deter this type of behavior.

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: Victor Ledbetter, Captain.

Date: December 7, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Victor Ledbetter, Captain Criminal Investigations Division (269)337-8139