Fatal Traffic Crash

August 17, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

The deceased male involved in the Fatal Traffic Crash in the early morning hours of August 17th, 2017, has been identified as Demetreus Antwan Betts, a 32 year old Kalamazoo resident. Kalamazoo Public Safety extends our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Demetreus Betts.

No further information will be given until an autopsy and traffic report is complete. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

Authority: Ex. Lt. Misner

On August 17, 2017, at approximately 3:44am, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to a report of a traffic crash in the area of Woodward and Kalamazoo. Public Safety Officers located two vehicles involved in an accident. One vehicle came to rest on its roof and the driver of that vehicle was deceased. The driver of the second vehicle was able to climb out of his vehicle and officers rendered emergency care. The driver of the second vehicle was transported to Bronson and is in stable condition. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. No information will be released on the deceased driver until he can be identified and next of kin notifications made.

The intersection of Woodward and Kalamazoo will be shut down while this accident is being investigated. Drivers are asked to seek an alternative route during their morning commute.

Anyone with 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

Date: August 17, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Shannon Bagley, Criminal Investigation Division, 337-8139

Suspect arrested after carjacking

March 6, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On Saturday, March 04, 2017, at approximately 8:30 P.M., Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to an armed carjacking in the 900 block of W. Kalamazoo. The suspect was not located but a description of the suspect and the stolen vehicle was distributed to area law enforcement agencies.

At approximately 1:00 A.M. on Sunday, March 05, 2017, a Kalamazoo Public Safety Sergeant observed the stolen vehicle traveling East on Paterson near Burdick. The vehicle fled when a traffic stop was initiated. The pursuit was terminated after the suspect began driving against traffic. Almost immediately after the pursuit was terminated, the suspect slowed down, jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. The suspect was apprehended a short time later without further incident.

Nobody was injured during the carjacking or subsequent pursuit.

The suspect is a 20 year old male who resides in Kalamazoo. His name is being withheld pending arraignment. The suspect was arrested for possession of a stolen auto, fleeing and eluding, and resisting and obstructing. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be sought.

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. Lance Handlogten

Date: March 05, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations 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

Traffic crash causes lunch hour traffic congestion

January 11, 2017 by Spencer Bridges

Kalamazoo, MI: On Wednesday January 11th, 2017 at 12:27 p.m. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to a two vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of W. Kalamazoo Ave. and N. Westnedge Ave. A 19 year old Kalamazoo man travelling west on W. Kalamazoo Ave. disregarded the traffic control device and collided with a Life EMS wheelchair transport van driven by a 27 year old Kalamazoo woman. The wheelchair van came to rest on its side in the intersection. Neither driver was injured in the crash. The wheelchair van did not have a passenger at the time of the crash. The 19 year old driver was issued a citation for disregarding a traffic control device.

The crash caused traffic congestion on several downtown streets due to the closure of two major traffic arteries for approximately one hour. The Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post assisted at the scene. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety would like to thank the hundreds of motorists affected by the street closures for their cooperation as crews cleared the crash scene.

By authority of: Sgt. Jason Hendrick

Date: January 11th, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, 337-8142