KDPS' WebLog

Riverview Dr Road Closing

Kalamazoo, MI:  On July 17, 2008 at approximately 1 a.m. Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 600 block of Riverview Dr in reference to a flood in the street.  Sgt Weston immediately recognized that the source of the problem was a water main break beneath the roadway.  The escaping water caused the road surface to rise approximately 12 inches.

The integrity of the roadway came into question.  Riverview Dr, between Gull Rd and E. Michigan Ave was shut down to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Northbound and Southbound Riverview Dr traffic is being diverted down Sherwood Ave and Hotop Ave until further notice.  This will mostly likely affect the morning commute traffic.  It should be noted that traffic on Gull Road and E Michigan will not be affected

SILENT OBSERVER REWARDS FOR TIPS ON MARIJUANA GROW OPERATIONS

Kalamazoo, Michigan.  The Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) and Michigan State Police officials have announced the start of the Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program (DCE/SP) in western Michigan.  DCE/SP is a law enforcement initiative aimed at eradicating illegally grown marijuana in Michigan.   KVET officers, along with state troopers and sheriff’s deputies, will work to locate and seize marijuana plants.  Officers will be seeking out both outdoor and indoor grow operations.  Similar DCE/SP enforcement efforts are scheduled throughout the state.

Michigan has become an increasingly popular state for growing marijuana because of its fertile soil and remote hidden sites.  The street value of marijuana results in a very profitable cash crop and results in drug dealers stealing the use of land from unsuspecting farmers and land owners, including state and federally owned land.

With good growing conditions this summer, authorities anticipate a significant harvest of marijuana and are asking the public and land owners to look for signs that would indicate the presence of a outdoor or indoor grow operation

Indicators of possible outdoor grow operations include:  unusual amounts of traffic on and off the property (usually at night); use of tents, campers, or other recreational vehicles on wooded property with no evidence of recreational activities taking place; unusual purchases of fertilizer, garden hose, plastic PVC pipe, chicken wire, lumber, machetes, camouflage netting and clothing; large amount
of PVC pipe or irrigation hose in heavily wood area; and heavily patrolled or guarded woods, swamps and other remote areas.

Indicators of possible indoor grow operations include:  buildings or greenhouses where structures would not normally be (i.e. heavily wooded land); unreasonable or fluctuating high utility bills, also low utility bills indicated power theft; sealed or covered doors and windows; excessive use of ventilation and air conditioning systems; existence of generators, large tanks or supplies of water, portable heaters, extension cords, heat lamps and fans, and heavy secured areas.

Marijuana growers are commonly involved in multi-criminal activities.  Because of the increasing street value of marijuana, the incentive to protect their crop can expose unsuspecting recreational land users to danger.”

The 2007, as a result of illegal grow operations, DCE/SP saw an increase in the number of outdoor and indoor plants discovered as well as an increase in the number of weapons confiscated and arrests made.  Funding for DCE/SP is provided through the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).   

Individuals who believe they have information on either type of operation are asked to call KVET at 337-8880, or report an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com

West South Street Robbery

On 7-15-2008 at approximately 7:15 p.m., a 21-year-old Kalamazoo resident was assaulted and robbed of his belongings.  Two unarmed suspects fled from the area west on West South St. then south on South Westnedge.  Several citizens witnessed the assault and chased the two suspects.  The citizens caught the suspects and were able to recover some of the victim’s belongings.  The suspects then fled from the citizens.      

Kalamazoo Public Safety officers arrived shortly after the assault and obtained a description of the suspects.  A canine officer was called to the scene and attempted to locate the two suspects.  The two suspects remain at large.   

While attempting to locate the two robbery suspects, Kalamazoo Public Safety officer Peter Hoyt saw a juvenile running between houses.  He was then flagged down by a Kalamazoo resident that reported that the juvenile had just attempted to break into her vehicle.  The juvenile suspect was apprehended and later released to a parent.

The victim of the robbery was taken to Bronson Hospital where he was treated for a laceration to his head and released.

Suspect number one was described as being a tall and thin African American male in his early 20’s and wearing a white shirt with black shorts.  The second suspect was described as a tall and thin African American male in his early 20’s and wearing a black shirt with black shorts

Anyone having information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Kalamazoo Public Safety Detectives Division at 337-8139 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

KVET LOCATES ANOTHER METH LAB

Kalamazoo, MI:  On July 15, 2008, at approximately 7:35 p.m., investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) executed a search warrant on Celery Street in Comstock Township.  The search warrant was obtained as a result of an on-going investigation into the manufacturing of methamphetamine at the residence.

Once inside, investigators located finished methamphetamine in the residence and a mobile “one-pot” lab inside a vehicle in the driveway.

   

The 38-year-old male resident admitted to manufacturing methamphetamine.  Charges for Posses sion With Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine and Operating/Maintaining a Meth Lab will be submitted to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

A 41-year-old female resident of Texas Township will also be charged with Possession of Methamphetamine.

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

RECENT FEDERAL INDICTMENTS

Kalamazoo, MI: On June 25, 2008, Quinton Duckett, of Kalamazoo, and Lamar Ayers, of Portage, were indicted by a federal grand jury on Firearms charges in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(c). The indictment alleges that Ayers was a convicted felon in Possession of a Firearm and Duckett and Ayers possessed a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Duckett was taken into federal custody on July 2, 2008, Ayers on July 7, 2008. Previously, on February 28, 2008, Patrick Stahel of Portage was indicted by a federal grand jury on Firearms charges, which include Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possessing a Stolen Firearm. All three are currently awaiting trial in federal court. The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court of law.

The charges against the suspects stem from an investigation, which began after a hostage incident that occurred in the City of Kalamazoo on November 16, 2007. At 3:24 a.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to a report of a robbery in progress in the 2900 block of Redwood. An acquaintance of one of the victims contacted Public Safety when he received a text message from the victim reporting that they were being robbed. When officers arrived on scene, they immediately apprehended one suspect while he was coming out the front door. Two other suspects were eventually apprehended after a standoff with Kalamazoo Public Safety S.W.A.T. team.

The Portage Police Department and the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team Task Force Officer assigned to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms worked jointly with Kalamazoo Public Safety to focus on the firearm used in the hostage incident. The Illegal Firearms Trafficking investigation led to information that the firearm used in the hostage incident was stolen and illegally traded in exchange for crack cocaine, as alleged in the federal indictments. The firearm investigation led to the above federal indictments.

Related Sentencing & Trials

In February 2008, Sirvon Parrion Palmore was found guilty of armed robbery, home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, and felony firearm charges. Palmore was sentenced to 19 to 50 years in prison. Johnny Lee Lewis pled guilty in March of 2008 to the same charges and was sentenced to 11 to 30 years in prison. Bruce Parker will stand trial August 5, 2008. Keith Roseman, of Portage, was charged with Receiving and Concealing a Stolen Firearm and Felony Firearm in the state judicial system and was sentenced to two years in state prison.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug 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

MOST WANTED ON OUTSTANDING WARRANTS

NAME:  Coombs, John Charles;
DATE OF BIRTH:  9-28-1988;
RACE / SEX:  w/m;
HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 5’9”; 160 LBS.;
HAIR COLOR: Black;
EYE COLOR:  Brown;
SCARS / MARKS / TATTOOS:  Tattoo left shoulder;
CHARGES / WARRANTS:  Criminal bench warrant for failure to appear at pre-trial, defective equipment; POSSIBLE LOCATIONS:  900 blk. Anderson Mill Drive, Vicksburg; 8700 blk. N. 12th Street, Kalamazoo;

NAME:  Everett, Charles Anthony Jr.
DATE OF BIRTH:  11-8-1985;
RACE / SEX:  w/m;
HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 5’11; 210 lbs.;
HAIR COLOR: Blonde/strawberry;
EYE COLOR:  Blue;
SCARS / MARKS / TATTOOS:  None;
CHARGES / WARRANTS:  Civil for neglect child, child support, Allegan County;
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS:  3200 blk. Butternut Lane, Kalamazoo; 700 blk. Benhoy Avenue in Plainwell;

NAME:  McGee, Keri;
DATE OF BIRTH:  05-01-1982;
RACE / SEX:  b/f;
HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 5’ll; 350 lbs.
HAIR COLOR: Black;
EYE COLOR:  Brown;
SCARS / MARKS / TATTOOS:  Scar left arm, right leg;
CHARGES / WARRANTS:  Felony for larceny, Kalamazoo City;
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS:  300 block Douglas Avenue, Kalamazoo.

NAME:  Stacy, Norman;
DATE OF BIRTH:  08-15-1960;
RACE / SEX:  b/m;
HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 6’3”; 180 lbs.;
HAIR COLOR: Black;
EYE COLOR:  Brown;
SCARS / MARKS / TATTOOS:  None;
CHARGES / WARRANTS:     Civil warrant for child neglect, child support, Kalamazoo County;
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS:  2200 blk. Inverness Lane, Kalamazoo

SILENT OBSERVER 343-2100

Meth Lab

Kalamazoo, MI:  On Friday July 11th at 2115 hours officers from Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the 4500 block of Lilac Lane on the report of a meth lab.  Officers made contact with a resident who pointed out several items from a meth lab that was out side the apartment.  The suspect who owned the property was not around at the time.  Officers from KVET were call to assist with the investigation and clean up.
 
At app.0600 hours on Saturday the 12th the same suspect returned to the apartment complex with more elements for a meth lab.  Once again officers were called to the apartment complex to investigate.  Offices located a backpack outside near a dumpster where the suspect was last seen.  Inside the backpack were several items for making another meth lab.  Officers set up an area perimeter and a police K-9 was able to track to where the suspect was hiding in the under brush. 

The suspect was arrested on an outstanding warrant.  As he was being transported to the police station the suspect complained of chest pain, so the transporting officer diverted to Bronson Hospital.  Shortly arriving at the Hospital the suspect went into full cardiac arrest.  The hospital staff was able treat the heart attack and save the subjects life.  The suspect was admitted to the hospital for further treatment and observation.  A case for the meth lab will be submitted to the Prosecutor’s officer for a warrant request.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 33-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100, www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Armed Robbery

Kalamazoo, MI:  On July 12, 2008 at approximately 0320 hrs, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to the 2600 blk of West Michigan for a report of an Armed Robbery.

The victim stated that he was in the parking lot of Campus Point Mall when a suspect approached him with a handgun and demanded money.  The victim relinquished his money and the suspect fled on foot.

The suspect is described as a B/M approximately16 years of age, 5’8” 155 lbs wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the police at (269) 337-8994,  Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com

Minor Arrested on Multiple Charges

On 7-11-08 numerous officers from Kalamazoo Public Safety were on a directed patrol in the 800 block of N. Westnedge addressing large crowds, narcotics activity and the recent vandalism of police and citizen vehicles.  Thrown bottles and rocks struck several vehicles over the Fourth of July weekend causing several thousand dollars worth of damage.

During the patrol, CPO’s Reardon, Halder and Mayo contacted a minor in possession of an alcoholic beverage.  The minor refused to cooperate and an arrest was attempted.  The minor resisted arrest and persons in the area began to surround officers jeopardizing their safety.  An unidentified person threw a bottle at officers during the arrest.  Fortunately, no one was struck. A second person interfered with the arrest and physically assaulted CPO Halder.  He too was taken into custody.

As a result of this investigation a 19-year-old Kalamazoo resident was arrested for minor in possession of alcohol, possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine, attempted resisting and obstructing an officer and a valid warrant.  Also, a 22-year-old Kalamazoo resident was arrested for resisting and obstructing a police officer, possession of marijuana and a warrant.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call Kalamazoo Public Safety or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

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.