HOME INVASION SUSPECT APPREHENDED

Kalamazoo, MI:  On Saturday, July 12, 2008, at approximately 6:50 a.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to a report of a home invasion in progress in the 1800 block of Belford St.  Upon arrival officers quickly apprehended the suspect as he attempted to flee the house with stolen property and a handgun.

A female resident of the home was awaken when she heard a commotion inside her house.  The female, who was home alone sleeping in an upstairs bedroom, called 911and frantically reported to KPS Dispatch that a stranger was in her house.  The victim had two dogs with her in the bedroom.  The suspect attempted to enter her room but was kept at bay by the presence of her two dogs.

Officers Dan Siwula, Derrick Turner and K-9 Handler Lisa Moore with partner Ori arrived first on scene.  Upon arrival officers quickly observed a male inside the house walking about in the living room carrying a handgun. 

The suspect attempted to exit the side door of the house but found PSO Moore and K-9 Ori waiting.  The suspect, a 17 yr old Kalamazoo resident, was taken into custody without incident. 

Upon investigation it was determined that the suspect was walking by the home and noticed an open window.  Using a large knife, the suspect cut the window screen and crawled through the window opening.  Once inside he began searching for valuable items to steal.  He settled on taking several items of jewelry, U.S. currency, cameras, a pistol and a bag of candy.

Officers saw the suspect in possession of the pistol.  Luckily the suspect dropped the pistol and stolen property inside the doorway before his attempted escape.

The female victim / resident was not injured in this incident and all property was returned to her.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Public Safety at 337-8139 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.