Quantcast
Channel: Kalamazoo News: Crime

Two Kalamazoo-area people sent to federal prison for meth-related crimes

$
0
0

Two Kalamazoo-area residents have been sentenced to federal prison for convictions related to methamphetamine production.

KALAMAZOO — Two Kalamazoo-area residents have been sentenced to federal prison for convictions related to methamphetamine production.

Scott Matthew Milliron, 35, and Debra Homan, 47, are now in the custody of federal marshals,  according to a press release issued today by the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team.
KVET and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency conducted separate criminals investigations of  Milliron and Homan.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney sentenced Milliron to 13.33 years in federal prison without the chance of parole. Milliron pleaded guilty to making methamphetamine, producing and distributing large amounts of the drug in and around Kalamazoo, authorities said.

Following his imprisonment, Milliron will be on supervised release for three years.

Authorities say this will be a return trip to federal prison for Milliron. He was  previously convicted and imprisoned for possession with intent to distribute more than 2 pounds of methamphetamine.

Meanwhile, Homan was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison without the chance of parole, and three years of supervised release following her discharge, KVET said.

Homan, of Comstock Township, was part of a group of people prosecuted in a meth conspiracy case.

She pleaded guilty to involvement in a meth lab in her Comstock home on Steger Street. The house burned down after the meth lab exploded, KVET said.


Woman arrested, man sought in connection with meth dumpsite in Van Buren County

$
0
0

A Lawton woman was arrested Wednesday in connection with a large methamphetamine dumpsite found earlier in the week in Antwerp Township, police said.

LAWTON — A Lawton woman was arrested Wednesday in connection with a large methamphetamine dumpsite found earlier in the week in Antwerp Township, police said.

The 44-year-old, whose name was not released pending her arraignment, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Police said they found the meth dumpsite Monday on 26th Street north of 66th Avenue. They identified a 45-year-old suspect from Kalamazoo who apparently had loaned the woman his 1999 GMC Tahoe, which she was driving when arrested, the news release said.

The male suspect, whose name also was not released, left the area after apparently seeing the woman arrested outside of her Lawton workplace, where he is also employed, according to police. An arrest warrant was issued charging him with maintaining a methamphetamine laboratory, a felony that carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.

Two men arrested following armed robbery at Meijer in Oshtemo Township

$
0
0

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP — Two Kalamazoo men were arrested Wednesday following an armed robbery at the Meijer Inc. store at 6660 W. Main Street. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release deputies stopped the vehicle believed used in the robbery, which occurred shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday, and detained  three men and one woman. An active methamphetamine lab...

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP — Two Kalamazoo men were arrested Wednesday following an armed robbery at the Meijer Inc. store at 6660 W. Main Street.

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release deputies stopped the vehicle believed used in the robbery, which occurred shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday, and detained  three men and one woman.

An active methamphetamine lab was found in the vehicle along with finished methamphetamine and a stolen gun deputies believe was used in the robbery, the release stated.

Officers found more finished meth at the residence of two of the passengers. Charges for violating narcotics laws will be sought against those two, the release stated.

A 32-year-old Kalamazoo man, who was not identified in the release, was charged with armed robbery and possession of meth components. The second man, 39, also of Kalamazoo, who was not named, was charged with possession of meth.

Clues scarce in August death of Kalamazoo man

$
0
0

Kalamazoo Township police are continuing to probe the August slaying of a 31-year-old man, but a detective sergeant with the agency says the investigation has yet to yield many clues.

KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP — Kalamazoo Township police are continuing to probe the August slaying of a 31-year-old man, but a detective sergeant with the agency says the investigation has yet to yield many clues.

“We’re chasing numerous angles,” Detective Sgt. Paul Erlandson said of attempts to find Marcel Hughley’s killer. “We’ve been interviewing people left and right, we’re just not getting any from the community to be honest with you.”

Hughley, of Kalamazoo, was found shot to death at about 8:20 a.m. on Aug. 5 in an older model Camaro parked in the 2200 block of North Westnedge Avenue, just north of Amsterdam Street. Police have said Hughley had been shot multiple times but have declined to say where he was wounded.

The Camaro, which had gold-colored wire wheels, was not registered to Hughley, police said.
 
Erlandson said police have been able to find out little about who Hughley may have been with the night he died and, as of Monday, had no suspects in the case.

“Nobody knows anything or no one is willing to come forward with anything,” the sergeant said.

Authorities ask that anyone with information about Hughley’s killing to call township police at (269) 343-0568 or contact Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Two Kalamazoo men sentenced for conspiring to harm witness

$
0
0

Two Kalamazoo men have been sentenced to prison on federal witness-tampering convictions for conspiring to harm a witness.

GRAND RAPIDS — Two Kalamazoo men have been sentenced to prison on federal witness-tampering convictions for conspiring to harm a witness.

Dametrice Murray, 23, and Jamar Jackson, 19, were indicted by a federal grand jury in March after they were discovered plotting to harm a witness while they were incarcerated in the Kalamazoo County Jail, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Jackson was scheduled to be released from jail and planned to locate and prevent a witness from testifying against Murray in his trial on charges of a felony being in possession of a firearm, a news release said. Kalamazoo County sheriff’s deputies and Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety detectives discovered the plot, it said.

U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker sentenced Jackson to five years in prison on a conviction of conspiring with Murray to tamper with the witness. Jonker sentenced Murray to 7 1/2 years in prison for the witness-tampering conviction and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“Witness tampering is a serious crime that cuts at the very heart of the ability of law enforcement efforts to bring criminal offenders to justice and make our community safe,” U.S. Attorney Donald Davis said in a news release, following the sentencings in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. “Fortunately this plan was discovered before anyone was hurt.”

Wanted: A look at people being sought by local police as of November 30, 2009

$
0
0

KALAMAZOO -- Police ask that anyone with information about these people call Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or go to the Web site www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

KALAMAZOO -- Police ask that anyone with information about these people call Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or go to the Web site www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.



Tangie BatesTangie BatesTangie Bates, a.k.a. Karen Hoskins

Age: 44

Wanted
: For a probation violation stemming from an original charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Description
: Black female, 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes.

Possible locations
: 2200 block of Gull Road, 1200 block of Stockbridge Avenue and the 500 block of Lawrence Street, all in Kalamazoo.









Aaron DownsAaron DownsAaron Richard Downs

Age
: 22

Wanted
: For absconding from the Kalamazoo County Sobriety Court program after an original charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He is also wanted by police in Barry County.

Description
: White male, 6 feet tall, weighs 187 pounds, has red hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo of a spider on his back and a tattoo of praying hands on his right shoulder.

Possible location
: 5000 block of Coopers Landing in Cooper Township.









David KrohnDavid KrohnDavid Lloyd Krohn, a.k.a. David Lloyd, a.k.a. Gilligan Krohn

Age
: 46

Wanted
: For absconding from the Kalamazoo County Sobriety Court program after an original charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Description
: White male, 6 feet tall, weighs 155 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes. He has scars on both legs.

Possible location
: 5000 block of North 20th Street in Cooper Township.








George MarkwartGeorge MarkwartGeorge August Markwart

Age
: 47

Wanted
: For failing to appear in court on an original charge of failing to comply with the sex-offenders-registration act. He is also wanted for absconding from the Kalamazoo County Sobriety Court program.

Description
: White male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 155 pounds, has gray hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo of a naked lady on his chest and numerous tattoos on both forearms. He has a tattoo of a spider web with a spider on his left shoulder.

Possible location: 900 block of Mills Street and 6100 block of Abbey Street, both in Kalamazoo.







Information provided by Kalamazoo County law enforcement agencies.


Man swallows meth while being arrested on suspicion of casing properties for break-ins

$
0
0

A man suspected of casing properties in southern St. Joseph County for break-ins swallowed methamphetamine as he was being arrested, police said.

MOTTVILLE TOWNSHIP — A man suspected of casing properties in southern St. Joseph County for break-ins swallowed methamphetamine as he was being arrested, police said.

Troopers arrested a 41-year-old from Osceola, Ind. and a 26-year-old Vandalia man after spotting a dark green 1993 Ford Aerostar van with its headlights off pulling into a driveway near Burke and Dickinson roads in Mottville Township at about 1 a.m., according to a Michigan State Police news release.

The Indiana man, whose name was not released, resisted arrest and ingested a baggy of methamphetamine during the 1 a.m. incident, it said. He was treated at Three Rivers Health then jailed on charges of possession of burglary tools, stolen property, methamphetamine and marijuana, resisting and obstructing police, tampering with evidence and driving while his license was suspended.

The Vandalia man, whose name also was not released, faces charges of possession of burglary tools and stolen property.

Police ask that anyone with information about the men call the State Police post in White Pigeon at (269) 483-7612.

Suspects in counterfeit-check ring arrested in Sturgis

$
0
0

Police arrested two women believed to be linked to a counterfeit ring that has hit a business in Sturgis and businesses in Indiana, authorities said.

STURGIS — Police arrested two women believed to be linked to a counterfeit-check ring that has hit a business in Sturgis and businesses in Indiana, authorities said.

The two Indianapolis residents, whose names and ages were not been released, were detained just before 10 a.m. Sunday by employees at Walmart, 1500 S. Centreville Road, after they tried to cash a counterfeit check while using fraudulent IDs, according to the Sturgis Police Department.

Police said they found several fraudulent payroll checks and Indiana drivers’ licenses inside their vehicle.

“Investigators have reason to believe they have been involved in several other cases across Indiana,” a news release said.

Investigators suspect the two women have links to a counterfeit ring that includes other suspects who recently cashed a fraudulent check at the same Walmart store, according to police.

The two women were being held at the St. Joseph County Jail pending court arraignments.

Paw Paw official gets jail time for embezzlement

$
0
0

The former finance administrator for the village of Paw Paw was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail for embezzling from village coffers.

PAW PAW — The former finance administrator for the village of Paw Paw was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail for embezzling from village coffers.

KeVen Lynn Riley, 49, of Hartford, was also sentenced by Van Buren County Circuit Judge William C. Buhl to three years of probation and ordered to pay victim restitution of $6,082, court costs and state fees, according to court files.

Riley worked for the village for almost 10 years in various capacities, most recently as its finance administrator. Village Manager Larry Nielsen said she left her position in September 2008.

Riley pleaded no contest in October to embezzlement of between $1,000 and $20,000, a felony that carries up to five years in prison and restitution of three times the amount embezzled.
Court records indicated that the embezzlement took place between March and September 2008.

Nearly 2 pounds of marijuana seized after traffic stop in Sister Lakes area

$
0
0

A Dowagiac woman was arrested early this morning after police found nearly two pounds of marijuana in her car during a traffic stop, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.

KEELER TOWNSHIP — A Dowagiac woman was arrested early this morning after police found nearly two pounds of marijuana in her car during a traffic stop, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies stopped the driver at about 1:16 a.m. after seeing her commit “several traffic violations” on County Road 690 near 95th Avenue in the Sister Lakes area, a news release said. They noticed a strong odor of marijuana, observed a small bag of marijuana near the driver’s leg, then located several duffle bags in the back seat containing a large amount of marijuana.

Deputies also located marijuana packaged for sale and several items consistent with the sale of marijuana, the news release said.  A total of 1.75 pounds of marijuana was seized from the 2010 Pontiac G-6.

The 48-year-old woman, who has prior convictions for possession of marijuana and delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance, was being held this morning at the Van Buren County Jail. Her name was withheld pending her arraignment on a charge of possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

Suspicious fire investigated in Mendon

$
0
0

Police are investigating a suspicious fire that damaged an abandoned house northwest of Mendon.

MENDON TOWNSHIP — Police are investigating a suspicious fire that damaged an abandoned house northwest of Mendon.

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office was called to the residence in the 52000 block of Silver Street at about 12:30 a.m. Friday. Deputies were assisted at the scene by firefighters from Mendon and Leonidas, Michigan State Police, Life Care Ambulance and Broker’s Towing, a sheriff’s office news release said.

Two charged in Portage jewelry store heists after police chase on I-94

$
0
0

Two Detroit men were arrested following a theft from a Portage jewelry store and a police pursuit on Interstate 94 into Calhoun County.

PORTAGE — Two Detroit men were arrested following a theft from a Portage jewelry store and a police pursuit on Interstate 94 into Calhoun County.

Portage police said the 2:30 p.m. incident Monday at Medawar Jewelers, 5721 S. Westnedge Ave., is the fifth theft reported at a South Westnedge Avenue jewelry store since August and that they believe one of the suspects was involved in at least one of the other thefts.

A Medawar employee became suspicious of 19-year-old Caleb Mackey after Mackey entered the store and began asking to look at expensive pieces of jewelry, said Lt. Steven Clark of the Portage Police Department.

The employee set out a piece of “costume jewelry” resembling a diamond ring with a bogus $2,000 price tag on the counter, which Mackey allegedly grabbed then fled to a nearby vehicle driven by 18-year-old Corey Williams, also of Detroit, according to police.

The Medawar employee tried to follow the suspects’ rented 2008 Mazda MX6 but his vehicle was struck by the getaway car, Clark said. The employee was not injured.

Police spotted the Mazda headed east on I-94 near Beadle Lake Road, Capt. Matt Saxton of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department said, where a sheriff’s deputy and an Emmett Township police officer gave chase.

Stop sticks placed on the road by a Michigan State Police trooper near Interstate 69 interchange failed to stop the car, which shortly after exited I-94 south onto 22 1/2 Mile Road. The Mazda struck a deputy’s cruiser and Williams tried to force another cruiser into oncoming traffic before he lost control and spun out about half-mile from I-94, according to Saxton.

The suspects ran from the car, but Mackey was caught a short distance away, Saxton said. Williams fled into a cornfield but a police dog tracked him about an hour later to a shed off 23 Mile Road, he said.

Williams was arraigned today in Calhoun County District Court on one count of fleeing and eluding and two counts of resisting and obstructing police was jailed on a $50,000 cash bond. Mackey was arraigned on one count of resisting and obstructing police and was being held on a $7,500 cash bond, according to Saxton.

Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Fink this afternoon that said he authorized charges of larcency in a building and conspiracy to commit larceny against Williams and Mackey, as felonious assault against Williams for allegedly striking the Medawar employee’s car.

Clark said that prior to Monday’s incident at Medawar Jewelers, other thefts from jewelry stores along South Westnedge Avenue include: Helzberg Diamonds, 6018 S. Westnedge Ave., on Aug. 26; Kay Jewelers, in The Crossroads mall, on Sept. 7; Siegel Jewelers, 6156 S. Westnedge Ave., on Nov. 13; and Rogers & Hollands Jewelers, in The Crossroads mall, on Wednesday.

Fink said he authorized a charge of larceny from a person against Mackey in connection with the Siegel Jewelers case.

One person arrested in connection with the Helzberg theft has been charged with first-degree retail fraud, according to Clark, who said investigators believe the thefts at Helzberg and Kay Jewelers are linked. The one at Rogers & Hollands remains under investigation.

In response to the thefts, Clark said, police have been working with jewelry stores on increased security measures. Those include asking for identification and taking fingerprints of anyone who asks to view expensive jewelry, he said.

Michigan State Police are investigating jewelry store thefts by a group out of Detroit, Clark said. 

John Falvo of Delton gets prison term for his part in a three-county crime spree

$
0
0

A 40-year-old Delton man who broke into a Zeeland man's home, then pistol-whipped him and locked him in a pool house before stealing a minivan as part of a three-county crime spree was sentenced to 19 to 40 years in prison.

GRAND HAVEN — A 40-year-old Delton man who broke into a Zeeland man's home, then pistol-whipped him and locked him in a pool house before stealing a minivan as part of a three-county crime spree was sentenced to 19 to 40 years in prison.

John Anthony Falvo, 40, of Delton, earlier pleaded guilty to armed robbery, home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, auto theft and other felonies for the June robbery at Jack Wyrick’s house on 96th Avenue north of Adams Street.

He was sentenced Monday in Ottawa County Circuit Court.

Wyrick said at least one robber made him get on the floor of his house and hit him in the head with a gun before stealing a computer, cash, jewelry and his wallet.

Police said Falvo was part of a spree that involved stealing a car in Battle Creek, then fleeing police in Grand Rapids before the stolen vehicle crashed.

Wanted: A look at people being sought by local police as of Dec. 6, 2009

$
0
0

Police ask that anyone with information about these people call Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or go to the Web site www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

KALAMAZOO -- Police ask that anyone with information about these people call Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or go to the Web site www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.



Cornae ArmsteadCornae ArmsteadCornae Lamont Armstead

Age:
36

Wanted:
On an arrest warrant for delivery/manufacture of less than 50 grams of a controlled substance. He is also wanted by the Kalamazoo County Friend of the Court.

Description:
Black male, 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighs 250 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. He has scars on his forehead, right cheek, left arm and left leg.

Possible location:
700 block of Bosker Avenue in Kalamazoo.






Carolyn DopieralskiCarolyn DopieralskiCarolyn Dopieralski

Age:
52

Wanted:
On an arrest warrant for delivery/manufacture of less than 50 grams of a controlled substance. She also is wanted for a probation violation.

Description:
White female, 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, has gray hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo of Winnie the Pooh on her upper left thigh, a tattoo of three purple roses on her lower left leg and a tattoo reading “man, dog and wrenches.” She also has a scar on her stomach and on her right leg.

Possible location:
1400 block of Alamo Drive in Kalamazoo.




Gregory EggerdingGregory EggerdingGregory Todd Eggerding

Age:
40

Wanted:
On an arrest warrant for possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine. He also is wanted by Calhoun County authorities.

Description:
White male, 6 feet tall, weighs 180 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes.

Possible location:
8800 block of B Drive North in Battle Creek.







Gary FreemanGary FreemanGary Michael Freeman

Age: 52

Wanted:
On an arrest warrant for delivery/manufacture of less than 50 grams of a controlled substance. He also is wanted for a probation violation.

Description:
Black male, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 120 pounds, has gray hair and brown eyes.

Possible location:
400 block of North Burdick Street in Kalamazoo.







Information provided by Kalamazoo County law enforcement agencies.




Pair on probation for meth crimes arrested on meth charges near sheriff's office

$
0
0

Sheriff deputies found a methamphetamine lab inside a car and arrested two men already on probation for meth-related crimes after making a traffic stop early Monday morning in downtown Paw Paw, the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office said.

PAW PAW — Sheriff deputies found a methamphetamine lab inside a car and arrested two men already on probation for meth-related crimes after making a traffic stop early Monday morning in downtown Paw Paw, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office said.

A 26-year-old Paw Paw man and 27-year-old man from Lawton were arrested for allegedly operating and maintaining a meth lab and possession of meth at around 12:50 a.m. Monday on Kalamazoo Street and Harry L. Bush Boulevard, just blocks from the sheriff’s office, according to a news release. Their names were withheld pending their arraignments.

Deputies stopped the car after observing several traffic violations, the sheriff’s office said. A  police dog detected the smell of drugs and a search of the vehicle revealed the meth lab,  baggie of meth and drug paraphernalia, the news release said.

Kalamazoo convict apologizes to victims, gets long prison term

$
0
0

A Kalamazoo man was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison for several convictions including kidnapping and attempted murder.

KALAMAZOO — A Kalamazoo man was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison for several convictions including kidnapping and attempted murder.

Michael Leroy Ketchum, 32, apologized to the mother of four boys he pulled a gun on during an attempted robbery and to his other victims.

“I wish I knew why I did the things I do,” he told Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge J. Richardson Johnson before being sentenced. “Sometimes we make decisions and we have to live with them.

“I hope people learn from my mistakes.”

Johnson noted that Ketchum had a “terrible” upbringing — one that included being shot at age 5 by a relative — but added, “we all need to take responsibility for our actions.”

Ketchum was sentenced on four cases Monday after pleading guilty to numerous charges. A fifth charging him with perjury for testifying at another man’s trial in November that he murdered Portage business man Bob Atkinson was dismissed.

Chased by police on June 8 for allegedly shoplifting components to make methamphetamine, Ketchum ran into a sandwich shop on South Westnedge Avenue in Portage, grabbed an older man and threatened to kill him, according to authorities. Police used a stun gun to subdue Ketchum then found a knife on the floor underneath him.

In that case, Ketchum was sentenced to 15 to 40 years in prison for kidnapping; eight to 20 years for operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine; and one to two years for assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer.

In May, Ketchum pulled the gun on the four boys, whose ages were not disclosed, at a local hotel while demanding they tell him where electronics were located. He was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison for armed robbery and a consecutive two-year term for using a firearm during a felony in that case.

On Oct. 20, Ketchum beat up another inmate at the Kalamazoo County Jail and was charged with assault with intent to murder. He was sentenced to 28 to 60 years in prison in that case.

Weapons charges related to an April meth case led to two sentences of one to five years in prison and a consecutive two-year prison term.

Ketchum could have faced up to life in prison on the armed robbery, assault with intent to murder or kidnapping convictions.

Police searching for three men in connection with armed robbery reported early Tuesday at apartment complex in Oshtemo Township

$
0
0

Police are searching for three men who were all armed with handguns early Tuesday when they broke into an apartment west of Kalamazoo and made off with electronics and the lone resident’s wallet, authorities said.

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP — Police are searching for three men who were all armed with handguns early Tuesday when they broke into an apartment west of Kalamazoo and made off with electronics and the lone resident’s wallet, authorities said.

The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. at Concord Place Apartments off West KL Avenue, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.

Police said the three men broke into the apartment and demanded money from the resident. When they were unable to get any money, the men took electronic devices and the resident’s wallet before leaving on foot in an unknown direction, according to a sheriff’s office news release.

Police described the three men as black males, all in their early 20s with medium builds. The resident told sheriff’s investigators that all three men were wearing long black leather coats over gray hooded sweatshirts.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call the sheriff’s office at (269) 385-6150 or (269) 383-8822.

Man, woman from Kalamazoo charged with murder in November slaying of 25-year-old South Haven-area man

$
0
0

A man and woman from Kalamazoo were arraigned Tuesday afternoon on murder charges in connection with the death last month of a 25-year-old South Haven-area man, police said.

ALLEGAN — A man and woman from Kalamazoo were arraigned Tuesday afternoon on murder charges in connection with the death last month of a 25-year-old South Haven-area man, police said.
Justin Andrew TerpstraJustin Andrew TerpstraAlison Lane MartinAlison Lane Martin
Alison Lane Martin, 23, and Justin Andrew Terpstra, 24, are each charged with open murder and conspiracy to commit murder, according to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office.

The arrests come less than a month after sheriff’s investigators found the burned body of Brandon David Silverlight near his burned vehicle in the 400 block of 74th Street in Casco Township.

Silverlight was a junior at Western Michigan University enrolled part-time in the music education program, school officials have said.


Police arrest man Tuesday in assault at Comstock Township apartment complex

$
0
0

Police arrested one person Tuesday afternoon after responding to a report of an assault at an apartment complex east of Kalamazoo, authorities said.

COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP — Police arrested a man Tuesday afternoon for apparently pistol-whipping his ex-girlfriend, authorities said.

Kalamazoo County sheriff’s deputies found the victim after responding to a call at about 3 p.m. at Comstock Village Apartments, located near Sprinkle Road and East H Avenue, Undersheriff Pali Matyas said.

Later, police were called to a cash advance store at 5145 Gull Road where an employee said a man threw a chunk of cement at her.

Police said the assaults may be related.

Both victims were treated and released from the hospital, according to a press release from the sheriff's office.

South Haven man arrested on charges of carjacking, kidnapping and other crimes

$
0
0

A 55-year-old South Haven was arrested on charges of carjacking, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes Tuesday after a pair of incidents, police said.

SOUTH HAVEN — A 55-year-old South Haven was arrested on charges of carjacking, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes Tuesday after a pair of incidents, police said.

South Haven police responded at about 7 p.m. to a call of a robbery at a business in the 700 block of Aylworth Avenue, according to a press release from the South Haven Police Department.

While investigating, officers were advised of a reported carjacking at 7:47 p.m. at a nearby business in South Haven Township.

South Haven police officer Chris Mersman and his police dog GASK tracked the suspect to a house in the 400 block of Aylworth Avenue.

The suspect was identified by victims in both incidents, police said.

The man is being lodged in the Van Buren County Jail pending arraignment.

Working with South Haven police were the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police and the Covert Township Police Department.

Neither of the victims were injured, police said.

Couple charged with murder: Woman's former boyfriend was killed before fire, police believe

$
0
0

Cell-phone records led police to an engaged couple from Kalamazoo who have been charged with murder in the November death of Brandon Silverlight, police said.

Justin Terpstra Alison Martin.jpgThe two suspects arrested in conjunction with the death of Brandon Silverlight have been identified as 24 year old Justin Andrew Terpstra (Left) and 23 year old Alison Lane Martin (Right), pictured here, both of Kalamazoo. Terpstra and Martin were both arraigned this (Tuesday, Dec. 08, 2009) afternoon in 57th District Court and charged with open murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
ALLEGAN — Cell-phone records led police to an engaged couple from Kalamazoo who have been charged with murder in the November death of Alison Lane Martin’s ex-boyfriend, police said.

Martin, 23, and Justin Andrew Terpstra, 24, were arraigned Tuesday in Allegan County District Court on open murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges, according to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office. Both are being held without bond and could face up to life in prison, if convicted.

The charges come less than a month after sheriff’s investigators found the burned body of Brandon David Silverlight near his burned vehicle in the 400 block of 74th Street in Casco Township.

Investigators reviewed Silverlight’s cell-phone records and found that he and Martin, who dated more than seven years ago, had contact with each other prior to and on Nov. 14, the day Silverlight was killed, according to sheriff’s Lt. Scott Matice.

Police believe Martin contacted Silverlight to set up a meeting at a South Haven restaurant then lured him to a nearby seasonal trailer park where Terpstra was “laying in wait,” Matice said.

He said Terpstra, who was paroled from prison in June, allegedly used some type of weapon, possibly a stick or board, to strike Silverlight then overpowered him.

Police allege that after the initial assault, the couple took Silverlight to 74th Street, where he was assaulted again before he and his vehicle were set ablaze. Investigators believe the two assaults caused Silverlight’s death and not the intentionally set fire, Matice said.

The lieutenant said Tuesday that police have “some theories” about a motive but he declined to elaborate.

Matice said Silverlight and Martin “kept in communication” with one another but that police do not know the nature of their relationship at the time Silverlight was killed. The two dated before Silverlight met his current wife seven years ago, he said.

Silverlight was a junior at Western Michigan University enrolled part time in the music education program, WMU officials have said.

Michigan Department of Corrections records show Terpstra was paroled in June following a three-year prison term for a home invasion conviction in Kalamazoo County.

The Gazette News Service contributed to this report.


Police Kalamazoo investigate armed home invasion

$
0
0

Police are searching for three men who were all armed with handguns early Tuesday when they broke into an apartment west of Kalamazoo and made off with electronics and the lone resident's wallet, authorities said.

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP — Police are searching for three men who were all armed with handguns early Tuesday when they broke into an apartment west of Kalamazoo and made off with electronics and the lone resident’s wallet, authorities said.

The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. at Concord Place Apartments off West KL Avenue, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.

Police said the three men broke into the apartment and demanded money from the resident. When they were unable to get any money, the men took electronic devices and the resident’s wallet before leaving on foot in an unknown direction, according to a sheriff’s office news release.

Police described the three men as black males, all in their early 20s with medium builds. The resident told sheriff’s investigators that all three men were wearing long black leather coats over gray hooded sweatshirts.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call the sheriff’s office at (269) 385-6150 or (269) 383-8822.

Man arrested after pair of assaults

$
0
0

Police arrested a man Tuesday for allegedly hitting his ex-girlfriend in the head with a handgun, according to a press release from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office.

COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP — Police arrested a man Tuesday for allegedly hitting his ex-girlfriend in the head with a handgun, according to a press release from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.

No shots were fired.

The incident occurred at about 3 p.m. at Comstock Village Apartments, located near Sprinkle Road and East H Avenue.

The woman was treated and released from a hospital.

A short time later, police say a woman at a cash advance store at 5145 Gull Road was hit by a chunk of concrete thrown by a man. That  woman also was treated and released from a hospital.

Police said the two incidents may be related.

The man who allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend had fled the apartment complex on foot and was later caught near Gull and Nazareth roads.

Driver in Three Rivers police-pursuit crash that killed passenger also dies

$
0
0

A 19-year-old man who crashed his car during a police pursuit last month near Three Rivers, killing his passenger, died this morning at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, authorities said.

THREE RIVERS — A 19-year-old man who crashed his car during a police pursuit last month near Three Rivers, killing his passenger, died this morning at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, authorities said.

Kevin Glass, of Three Rivers, had been hospitalized since suffering critical injuries in a Nov. 3 crash that killed Keriann McLain, 19, of Three Rivers.

Meanwhile, St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said the probe continues into determining who provided the alcohol that investigators believe was a factor in the pursuit and crash.

“This is a shining example of how alcohol, youthfulness and careless driving can create a very tragic outcome,” McDonough said Wednesday in a news release. “It is extremely sad that one poor decision by Mr. Glass ended up killing two young people ... Underage drinking is a problem in our county and those who choose to supply alcohol to minors or a place for minors to consume alcohol will be prosecuted for their actions.”

McLain was ejected from Glass’ 1986 Ford Mustang when it crashed at 11:57 p.m. on Buckhorn Road, northeast of downtown Three Rivers. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Michigan State Police crash investigator said a Three Rivers police officer had tried to stop Glass at Portage Avenue and Walnut Street for having a taillight that was not working properly. Glass fled and police gave chase.

About two miles from where police tried to stop Glass, police said Glass traveled around a curve on Buckhorn near Scott Lane at an excessive speed and lost control. The Mustang ran off the east side of the road and struck a fire hydrant, several tree stumps and boulders.

Police said the Mustang went airborne and was in the air upside down when it struck another tree and came to rest. McLain was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash.

Investigators said Glass was belted.

The state police investigator determined that the Three Rivers officer acted appropriately and was not close enough to Glass at the time of the crash to witness it. McDonough said Wednesday that police couldn’t have done anything to prevent the crash.

Troy Thomas Woodard, 29, of Kalamazoo, charged with felony domestic violence in pistol-whipping of woman

$
0
0

A Kalamazoo man who police say pistol-whipped his ex-girlfriend at a Comstock Township apartment complex was charged Wednesday with felony domestic violence, authorities said.

KALAMAZOO — A Kalamazoo man who police say pistol-whipped his ex-girlfriend at a Comstock Township apartment complex was charged Wednesday with felony domestic violence, authorities said.

Troy Thomas Woodard, 29, was arraigned in Kalamazoo County District Court on one count of third-offense domestic violence, a court official said.
Woodard.jpgTroy Thomas Woodard
Kalamazoo County sheriff’s deputies arrested Woodard Tuesday after responding at about 3 p.m. to a report of a shooting at Comstock Village Apartments near Sprinkle Road and East H Avenue.

At the scene, deputies determined there had not been a shooting but a 36-year-old woman had been struck once on the forehead with a handgun, Undersheriff Pali Matyas said.
Matyas said Woodard had fled by the time deputies arrived but was later arrested near Gull and Nazareth roads.

Meanwhile, Matyas said police are searching for another man who, shortly after the incident at the apartment complex, walked into Approved Cash Advance, 5145 Gull Road, and threw a chunk of concrete that struck a 29-year-old clerk in the chest and shoulder.

While their investigation of the two incidents continued Wednesday, Matyas said the clerk at the cash-advance store, a woman, was in a relationship with Woodard and police believe it is a possibility that the man threw the concrete at her in retaliation for Woodard committing the earlier assault.

“We think that’s what might have happened,” Matyas said. “It’s safe to say it appears to be related.”

Both women were treated at Borgess Medical Center and released.

Woodard is scheduled to be back in court Dec. 22 for a hearing on evidence against him in the domestic violence case. A court official had no information Wednesday on whether Woodard was held on bond after his arraignment.


Alleged 'for-profit' drug dealer in Bousfield fatal overdose arrested

$
0
0

A fourth person alleged to have provided the heroin that Portage teen Amy Bousfield overdosed on in 2008 was arraigned Wednesday on a charge of delivery of a controlled substance causing death.

KALAMAZOO — A fourth person alleged to have provided the heroin that Portage teen Amy Bousfield overdosed on in 2008 was arraigned Wednesday on a charge of delivery of a controlled substance causing death.

Curtiss Odell Thompson, 38, of Kalamazoo, also was arraigned on three other drug-related charges involving cocaine and heroin, according to a news release from the Portage Police Department.

“We believe with this arrest we’ve identified the for-profit drug dealer involved in this death,” Detective Matt Wolfe said. “There is no one else we’re looking for in connection to Amy Bousfield’s death, not at this time.”

Bousfield, an 18-year-old Portage Central High School graduate, died in June 2008 three days after snorting heroin.

Carrie Anne Wickham was acquitted in August of charges related to Bousfield’s death. Court testimony revealed Wickham contacted Joseph Anthony Wheeler to get the heroin Wickham and Bousfield used the night Bousfield overdosed.

Wheeler, 22, pleaded guilty to delivery of a controlled substance causing death and was sentenced in March to one year in prison.

Cristina Marie Dickerson, 28, was charged in November with delivery of a controlled substance causing death. Testimony in Wickham’s trial indicated she was the person who provided the heroin to Wheeler from a dealer. Her next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 21.

Wolfe said Thompson “is no stranger to law enforcement” and had been paroled from prison in July after serving a sentence on a drug conviction, according to Kalamazoo Gazette records. He was arrested Dec. 3 for absconding from parole.

Portage police worked with the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team to develop the  charges filed against Thompson. In addition to delivery of a controlled substance causing death, which is punishable by up to life in prison, he is charged with possession, delivery and possession with intent to deliver controlled substances. He is being held on a $100,000 bond in the Kalamazoo County Jail.

South Haven man arrested in robbery, carjacking 11 days after release from prison

$
0
0

A 55-year-old man had been out of prison for just 11 days when he was arrested Tuesday in connection with a strong-arm robbery and carjacking in South Haven.

SOUTH HAVEN — A 55-year-old man had been out of prison for just 11 days when he was arrested Tuesday in connection with a strong-arm robbery and carjacking in South Haven.
Victor Demott TuckerVictor Demott Tucker
Victor Demott Tucker, of South Haven, was arraigned Wednesday in Van Buren County District Court on one count each of armed robbery, carjacking and assault with intent to rob as a fourth-time habitual offender, Van Buren County Assistant Prosecutor Cory Johnson said.

Tucker was being held Thursday in the Van Buren County Jail on $250,000 cash/surety bond.

Tucker was released from prison Nov. 27 after serving time for armed robberies committed in 1989 and 1992, and larceny in a building committed in 2005, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.

South Haven police arrested Tucker after investigating a report of an armed robbery at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Little Caesars Pizza, 723 Aylworth Ave., and a 7:47 p.m. report of a carjacking at a nearby business in South Haven Township.

During the incident at Little Caesars, South Haven Acting Police Chief Tom Martin said Tucker jumped the counter and tried to get money from a cash register. Martin said Tucker was not able to get the register open and eventually ran from the business.

A short time later, Martin said Tucker approached a man in a car and told him he was armed with a knife or gun. A gun or knife was never seen and the driver, who was not hurt, apparently drove away with Tucker in the car, Martin said.

Martin said Tucker eventually got out of the car after a short scuffle with the driver.

Police later used a search dog that tracked to an apartment house in the 400 block of Aylworth Avenue where Tucker was found. Martin said police found two guns in the apartment house following Tucker’s arrest.

“What (Tucker) told us was that he was destitute and did not have any money,” Martin said when asked about a motive for the two incidents.

A hearing on evidence against him is scheduled for Dec. 23, a court official said.


Out of prison for 11 days, Victor Demott Tucker, of South Haven arrested

$
0
0

A 55-year-old man had been out of prison for just 11 days when he was arrested Tuesday in connection with a robbery and carjacking in South Haven.

Victor Demott TuckerVictor Demott Tucker, 55, of South Haven, who was arrested Tuesday for a strongarm robbery and carjacking. SOUTH HAVEN — A 55-year-old man had been out of prison for just 11 days when he was arrested Tuesday in connection with a robbery and carjacking in South Haven.

Victor Demott Tucker, of South Haven, was arraigned Wednesday in Van Buren County District Court on one count each of armed robbery, carjacking and assault with intent to rob as a fourth-time habitual offender, Van Buren County Assistant Prosecutor Cory Johnson said.

Tucker was being held Thursday in the Van Buren County Jail on a $250,000 cash/surety bond.

Tucker was released from prison Nov. 27 after serving time for armed robberies committed in 1989 and 1992 and for larceny in a building committed in 2005, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.

South Haven police arrested Tucker after investigating a report of an armed robbery at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Little Caesars Pizza, 723 Aylworth Ave., and a 7:47 p.m. report of a carjacking at a nearby business in South Haven Township.

In the incident at Little Caesars, South Haven Acting Police Chief Tom Martin said, a suspect jumped the counter and tried to get money from a cash register. Martin said the suspect was not able to get the register open and eventually ran from the business.

A short time later, Martin said a suspect approached a man in a car and told him he was armed with a knife or gun. A weapon was never seen, and the driver, who was not hurt, appears to have driven away with the suspect in the car, Martin said.

Martin said the suspect eventually got out of the car after a short scuffle with the driver.

Police later used a search dog that tracked the suspect to an apartment house in the 400 block of Aylworth Avenue, where Tucker was found. Martin said police found two guns in the apartment house after Tucker’s arrest.

“What (the suspect) told us was that he was destitute and did not have any money,” Martin said when asked about a motive for the two incidents.

A hearing on evidence against Tucker is scheduled for Dec. 23, a court official said.

Car hits house, leads police on two-county chase

$
0
0

Police say a 50-year-old Constantine man is facing charges in both Cass and St. Joseph counties after crashing into a residence in one county and fleeing police in the other.

CONSTANTINE — Police say a 50-year-old Constantine man is facing charges in both Cass and St. Joseph counties after crashing into a residence in one county and fleeing police in the other.

By the time the Saturday-night incident had ended, Michigan State Police troopers say, the suspect had crashed into a house, the homeowner’s car and two trees before he fled on foot.

The suspect’s name has not been released, pending his arraignments, according to a news release issued by the Michigan State Police White Pigeon post.

The incident began just before 10 p.m. in the 60000 block of Wood Lake Street, southeast of Jones, in Cass County. The man crashed a vehicle into a residence there, causing “extensive damage,” the press release said.

The homeowner initially tried to help the driver out of his car, then went to get his own vehicle in an attempt to block the damaged vehicle from leaving the scene, police said. The homeowner was unsuccessful, troopers said, and the suspect fled in his damaged car.

The homeowner then followed the fleeing vehicle and called 911, police said. At one point, police say, the man stopped suddenly, put his vehicle in reverse and “intentionally struck the homeowner’s vehicle,” damaging it before also leaving that scene and heading onto Norton Road, the press release said.

Officers said the suspect’s vehicle then left the road and struck a tree but continued traveling, crossing over into St. Joseph County, where it crashed into a second tree. Police say the driver then fled on foot.

Troopers followed the man through snow, fields and ditches, finally apprehending him in a field.

The man faces charges in Cass County of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, second offense, assault with a dangerous weapon for using his car to cause potential injury and failure to stop after a collision, police said.

In St. Joseph County, he is being charged with operating while intoxicated and failure to report/leaving the scene of a collision, police said.


Portage police unwrap a stolen credit-card case

$
0
0

The presents a Kalamazoo woman placed under her family Christmas tree this weekend were worth more than $700. One problem though, Portage police allege the gifts had been purchased with a credit card that the 18-year-old stole from a co-worker.

PORTAGE — The presents a Kalamazoo woman placed under her family Christmas tree this weekend were worth more than $700.

One problem though, Portage police allege the gifts had been purchased with a credit card that the 18-year-old stole from a co-worker.

Police seized the gifts Sunday following a report from an employee at Toys R Us, 6207 S. Westnedge Ave., that her credit card had been stolen while she was working a shift at the store. Officers were able to identify a suspect by reviewing surveillance footage and obtaining the card’s transaction information, according to a police news release. Officers allege that the footage showed the card had been used at Toys R Us after it was stolen.

Police said the suspect, whose name had not been released early Monday, was employed as a temporary worker at the store. Officers later went to her residence where they seized the merchandise, which had been wrapped and placed under her family’s Christmas tree, according to the news release.

Police said they plan to seek charges against the woman when they submit their investigation for review to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office.

Authorities ask anyone with information about the incident to call police directly at (269) 329-4567 or via Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Wanted: A look at people being sought by local police as of Dec 13, 2009

$
0
0

Police ask that anyone with information about these people call Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or go to the Web site www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

KALAMAZOO -- Police ask that anyone with information about these people call Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or go to the Web site www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.



Samuel GardnerSamuel Gardner

Samuel Keith Gardner, a.k.a. Bo Gardner
Age: 38
Wanted: On charges of delivery/manufacture of marijuana and for possession of less than 25 grams of a controlled substance. He also is wanted for a probation violation and by Friend of the Court authorities in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.
Description: Black male, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 155 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on his right shoulder, abdomen and back.
Possible location: 2100 block of Jacamar Court in Portage.







Alvin HammondAlvin Hammond

Alvin Lamont Hammond

Age: 52
Wanted: On a charge of possession of less than 25 grams of a controlled substance. He also is wanted for a probation violation.
Description: Black male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 145 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo that reads “Stony” on his upper left arm, a tattoo of Jesus on his back and an unknown tattoo on his left forearm.
Possible locations: 400 block of North Burdick Street or the 400 block of North Church Street, both in Kalamazoo.







Gary HardingGary Harding

Gary Raymond Harding

Age: 28
Wanted: On a charge of operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine.
Description: White male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 170 pounds, has brown hair and blue eyes.
Possible locations: 1200 block of Boardman Street or the 1300 block of Shakespeare Avenue, both in Kalamazoo.










Christopher MaggioraChristopher Maggiora

Christopher Gerald Maggiora

Age: 41
Wanted: On a charge of possession of less 25 grams of a controlled substance.
Description: White male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 145 pounds, has brown hair and green eyes.
Possible locations: 400 block of South Westnedge Avenue or the 400 block of Davis Street, both in Kalamazoo.










Information provided by Kalamazoo County law enforcement agencies.

Gobles man pleads guilty to manslaughter for pushing his mother down the stairs

$
0
0

A Gobles man accused of pushing his mother down a stairway in the home they shared pleaded guilty Monday to a charge of manslaughter.

PAW PAW — A Gobles man accused of pushing his mother down a stairway in the home they shared pleaded guilty Monday to a charge of manslaughter.

James P. Bachelder, 52, was originally charged with open murder in the death of Joan Louise Bachelder, 79, who died March 1 from injuries she suffered Feb. 13 at their residence in the 28000 block of South Shore Drive in Gobles. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge before Van Buren County Circuit Judge William C. Buhl, according to court records.

Manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 4.

A nurse at Bronson Methodist Hospital, where Joan Bachelder was taken with neck and arm injuries, testified at James Bachelder’s preliminary examination in July that his mother was embarrassed to say her son pushed her down the stairs. Joan Bachelder told at least one doctor she had fallen on her own.

When the nurse pressed her, however, the nurse said Joan Bachelder told her she didn’t want anyone to know he had done it.

James Bachelder has bipolar disorder and had been drinking alcohol before the incident, the nurse said she was told by Bachelder’s mother.

James Bachelder entered the plead the day before his trial for murder was to begin.

Ill-gotten gifts seized from under Christmas tree

$
0
0

A temporary worker at a toy store was able to put more than $700 worth of gifts under her family Christmas tree over the weekend.

PORTAGE — A temporary worker at a toy store was able to put more than $700 worth of gifts under her family Christmas tree over the weekend.

The problem was they were bought with a credit card stolen from a co-worker, police say.

An employee at Toys R Us, 6207 S. Westnedge Ave., reported that her credit card was stolen while she was working, Portage Police said in a news release. Officers reviewed store surveillance footage, obtained transaction information for the credit card and determined it had been used at Toys R Us.

Police on Sunday went to the home of the suspect, an 18-year-old temporary employee at Toys R Us, and seized an Xbox, iPod Touch and other items she had allegedly purchased with the stolen credit card using her employee discount, Lt. Tom Palenick said.

The gifts, intended for family members, including her mother and father, were all wrapped an under the Christmas tree, he said.

Police said they plan to seek charges against the woman, whose name was not been released, when they submit their investigation for review to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office later this week

Kalamazoo police investigating armed robbery reported Tuesday on city's east side

$
0
0

Police are investigating an armed robbery reported early this morning on Kalamazoo's east side.

KALAMAZOO — Police are investigating an armed robbery reported this morning on Kalamazoo’s east side.

Officers who responded at 5:30 a.m. to the 500 block of East Michigan Avenue were told the robbery suspect had fled the area on foot, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said in a news release. A police dog tracked from there to the 600 block of North Pitcher Street, where officers executed a search warrant, according to KDPS. No information was released on the search or what, if anything, was recovered.

Police described the suspect as a heavy-set man, approximately 6 feet tall. They asked that anyone who may have information about the incident call KDPS at (269) 337-8994 or contact Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Contact Rex Hall Jr. at rhall@kalamazoogazette.com or (269) 388-7784

Ex-sewer chief who falsified records jailed for faking community service

$
0
0

When his failure to do his job polluted a river with sewage, a wastewater treatment plant superintendent was sentenced in court last spring to perform community service to pay for his crime.

HARTFORD — When his failure to do his job polluted a river with sewage, a wastewater treatment plant superintendent was sentenced in court last spring to perform community service to pay for his crime.

When he faked that, too, he got jail time.

Thomas Melville was sentenced to serve 320 hours of community service for falsifying work records required by state environmental laws. He turned in paperwork showing he served the bulk of that sentence in May, doing odd jobs at the American Legion post in Hartford where he had once served as commander.

Last month, Melville was sentenced in Berrien County Circuit Court to seven days in jail for falsifying those records of his own community service hours.

Cindy Ehrenberg, court referral coordinator for Berrien County, said that the former head of treatment plants in Hartford and Coloma also will have to perform 200 hours of community service work, this time properly channeled through her office.

Melville has until June 1, 2010, to complete that work, the court ordered.

Melville earned a combined income of $100,000 a year as superintendent of the two wastewater-treatment plants, which he ran from 2002 to 2007. During that period, local health departments reported no illnesses that were attributed to the discharge in the river, officials have said.

He is no longer a wastewater-treatment operator. State investigators charged that he falsified reports of laboratory work that was never done and polluted the Paw Paw River with improperly treated human sewage — perhaps every day for years.

Melville pleaded guilty in circuit courts in Van Buren and Berrien counties to two felony environmental violation charges in connection with his actions at both plants. In total, he was ordered to pay fines and costs of about $6,000 and to complete community service.

“He had an officer (at the American Legion ) sign off on the hours,” said Detective Sgt. Bill Ford, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality investigator who helped uncover the problems at the wastewater plants.

The man signed blank cards that were later filled in by Melville, Ford said.

Ehrenberg said Melville was familiar with the paperwork because he had often supervised community service workers at the post when he was commander there.

Melville declined to comment when contacted by the Gazette.

Ford said he is satisfied with the outcome of the  contempt charges.

“He  spent seven days in the Berrien County jail. I think it sends a clear message to people sentenced to community service, if they don’t do the service assigned to then they’ll do jail time,” Ford said.

Contact Rosemary Parker at rparker@kalamazoogazette.com or (269) 388-2734.

UPDATE: Kalamazoo homicide victims identified as Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29

$
0
0

Police have identified the victims of this morning's double homicide as Tameka Morris, 27, of Kalamazoo, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29, of Kalamazoo.


suspect homicidePictured left: Christopher L. White. White is the suspect in a double homicide from the early morning hours of 12/16/09 in Interfaith. He is originally from Chicago, but has family in Kalamazoo. Any information please contact Silent Observer 343-2100 or Kalamazoo Public Safety 337-8994
UPDATE:

KALAMAZOO -- Police have identified the victims of this morning's double homicide as Tamika Morris, 27, of Kalamazoo, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29, of Kalamazoo.

Morris and Johnson lived together in the apartment at Interfaith Homes where they were shot at 2:55 a.m. today, Detective Lt. Victor Ledbetter said at a brief press conference this afternoon.

Their 9-year-old daughter, who was home at the time, was not harmed, Ledbetter said.

The girl is now staying with relatives.

Police are continuing to search for a Chicago man, 30-year-old Christopher L. White, whom they have identified as a suspect.

Ledbetter said White was an acquaintance of the couple.

White is considered armed and dangerous, according a press release from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

White recently moved to Kalamazoo from Chicago, police said.

Police have not confirmed a motive in the shooting, Ledbetter said.


EARLIER (2:15 p.m.):

KALAMAZOO —
A Chicago man has been identified by police as the suspect in the fatal shootings of a man and woman early Wednesday at a Kalamazoo apartment complex.

Christopher L. White, 30, is still being sought by Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigators, Assistant Chief Brian Uridge said.

Uridge said White was an acquaintance of a 27-year-old woman and 29-year-old man who were killed in a 2:55 a.m. shooting at Interfaith Homes, off Woodward Avenue.

Police believe they know the motive for the double slaying, but Uridge declined to release any details Wednesday afternoon.

The names of the two victims have not been released.

Police are expected to release more details at a 3 p.m. press conference at Public Safety’s Crosstown Parkway headquarters.


EARLIER (12:01 p.m.):

KALAMAZOO —
Police searched a recreational trailer on the city’s north side Wednesday as they continued trying to track down a suspect in a double homicide at a Kalamazoo apartment complex.

Members of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety SWAT Team went into the Coachmen recreational vehicle in the 800 block of West North Street shortly after 11 a.m. The suspect was not found, Detective Lt. Victor Ledbetter said.

Homicide mapView full sizeLedbetter said police plan to hold a press conference this afternoon about the double homicide and police’s search for the suspect.

The names of the two victims, who were shot, have not been released.

The search of the trailer came eight hours after Public Safety officers responded to an apartment at Interfaith Homes, off Woodward Avenue, on a report of a shooting.

At the scene, a 27-year-old woman was pronounced dead and a 29-year-old man found at the residence died later at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Ledbetter said a 9-year-old girl who was in the apartment during the fatal shootings was not injured.

Ledbetter said police cordoned off the area on West North Street between Woodward and Cobb avenues after receiving information that the suspect in the double homicide was in the area.

He said prior to entering the trailer, police had found footprints in the snow leading up to it.
“We believe that he was in the area,” the lieutenant said. “We’ve got to go back and regroup.”

SWAT officers and a K9 800 block of West North StreetSWAT officers and a K9 Unit take position outside a Coachmen recreational vehicle in the 800 block of West North Street before entering it on Wednesday, Dec 16, 2009 in Kalamazoo. Public Safety officers combed the block between Cob and Woodward to apprehend a possible suspect in the double homicide that occurred at Kalamazoo's Interfaith Homes.Ledbetter said police are “fairly certain” who the suspect in the shooting is, but declined Wednesday afternoon to identify him.

He did say the suspect is a black male who was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and an orange jacket or vest.

As their investigation continues, police are trying to pinpoint a motive for the shootings. Ledbetter said police also were continuing to search for the gun.

At the scene of the shooting Wednesday morning, Public Safety’s crime lab was combing a second-floor apartment in Building 1031.

The staircase leading up to the apartment was blocked by crime-scene tape early Wednesday.
Along with the crime-scene tape was red and silver garland and red Christmas lights that were still lit.

Police ask anyone with information about the shootings to call KDPS at (269) 337-8994 or contact Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Contact Rex Hall Jr. at rhall@kalamazoogazette.com or (269) 388-7784.



North Street Special Weapons And Tactics officerA Special Weapons And Tactics officer positions himself on the 800 block of North Street in Kalamazoo and Public Safety officers comb the block between Cob and Woodward to apprehend a possible suspect in the double homicide that occurred at Kalamazoo's Interfaith Homes.
EARLIER (10:30 a.m.):

KALAMAZOO -- Public Safety officers from the city of Kalamazoo have North Street between Woodward and Cobb avenues blocked off this morning.

The investigation is related to a double homicide this morning at Interfaith Homes, said Brian Uridge, assistant chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

Officers appeared to be focused on a house at the corner of North and Cobb.




View Larger Map



EARLIER (7:48 a.m.):

KALAMAZOO —
A man and woman were shot to death early Wednesday at an apartment complex on the city’s north side, police said.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers found the 27-year-old woman and 29-year-old man after responding at 2:55 a.m. to a report of a shooting at a residence at Interfaith Homes in the 1000 block of Interfaith Boulevard, according to a news release.

The woman, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The man, whose name also has not been released, was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

No arrests had been made in the double homicide, as of early Wednesday.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call KDPS at (269) 337-8994 or contact Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Contact Rex Hall Jr. at rhall@kalamazoogazette.com or (269) 388-7784.




Sturgis fifth-grader faces charges for pepper-spray incident

$
0
0

Police in Sturgis said that they would seek charges against a fifth-grader at Eastwood Elementary School for allegedly discharging pepper spray inside a school bus.

STURGIS — Police in Sturgis said that they would seek charges against a fifth-grader at Eastwood Elementary School for allegedly discharging pepper spray inside a school bus.

A Sturgis Public Schools bus was near Oakwood and Lakeview streets when a “small amount” of pepper spray was discharged Tuesday morning, the Sturgis Police Department said in a news release.

The bus was evacuated and parents of the students on board were contacted, officials said.

UPDATE: Kalamazoo police say homicide suspect has likely fled to Chicago

$
0
0

Police weren't saying what they believed to be the motive behind the shooting deaths early Wednesday of a Kalamazoo couple, as they continued searching for the Chicago man suspected of killing them.

double homicide Christopher L. WhiteLeft Christopher L. White. Right Kalamazoo Crime Lab officers return to the upstairs apartment at Interfaith Homes where a double homicide occurred early Wednesday morning.
UPDATE:

KALAMAZOO — A Chicago man wanted in connection with the slaying of a Kalamazoo couple has likely fled to his hometown, police said Thursday.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigators have been searching for Christopher L. White, 30, since early Wednesday when officers found Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29, shot inside their second-floor apartment in Building 1031 at Interfaith Homes, off Woodward Avenue.

Double Homicide Press Conference
 
RELATED CONTENT
UPDATE: Kalamazoo homicide victims identified as Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29

Morris was pronounced dead at the scene and Johnson died later at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Police said the couple’s 9-year-old daughter, who was inside the apartment at the time of the incident, was not hurt and is now staying with other family members.

Public Safety Capt. Julie Parsons said police hope to submit their investigation for review Thursday to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office and seek charges against White of open murder and felony firearm.

The manhunt for White, who is considered to be armed and dangerous, was continuing Thursday morning.

“It’s very likely he has made it to Chicago but we’re still working every lead that we’ve gotten,” the captain said. “That’s where the majority of his family is.”

Parsons said White moved to Kalamazoo from Chicago about two months ago and had been staying with family in the 900 block of Princeton Avenue. Police have described Johnson, Morris and White as acquaintances and Parsons said Thursday that Morris and White grew up together in Chicago.



Two dead, suspect mssing in KalamazooView full sizeSWAT officers prepare to enter a trailer on the 800 block of West North Street on Wednesday, Dec 16, 2009 in Kalamazoo. Public Safety officers combed the block between Cobb and Woodward to apprehend a possible suspect in the double homicide that occurred at Kalamazoo's Interfaith Homes. (Tyler Tjomsland / Kalamazoo Gazette)EARLIER (9:40 a.m.)

KALAMAZOO — Police weren’t saying what they believed to be the motive behind the shooting deaths early Wednesday of a Kalamazoo couple, as they continued searching for the Chicago man suspected of killing them.

Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29, were killed in a 2:55 a.m. shooting in an apartment at Interfaith Homes, off Woodward Avenue north of Paterson Street, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

The suspect, 30-year-old Christopher L. White, was still being sought by KDPS investigators late Wednesday evening. Police were also still looking for the gun used in the shooting. White was Shooting victimTamika Shamiece Morrisconsidered armed and dangerous, Detective Lt. Victor Ledbetter said.

White, who had recently moved to Kalamazoo from Chicago, was an acquaintance Morris and Johnson, according to police.

Morris and Johnson lived together and had a 9-year-old daughter, who was not injured in the shooting and is now staying with relatives, police said.

Court records indicate Morris and Johnson lived in Building 1031 at Interfaith Homes. A staircase to a second-floorapartment there was blocked by crime-scene tape early Wednesday as Public Safety’s crime lab personnelinvestigated.

Morris was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting.Johnson died later at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
Shooting victimCorey Darnell Johnson
KDPS Assistant Chief Brian Uridge said early Wednesday that police believed they knew why the shooting took place, but declined to release any details at an afternoon news conference.

“We haven’t confirmed a motive,” Ledbetter told reporters.

Police searched an area in the 700 block of Woodward, including a travel trailer, late Wednesday morning after receiving a tip about White’s whereabouts.

Officers with Public Safety’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team went into the Coachmen recreational vehicle shortlyafter 11 a.m., but did not find White. Evidence found in the trailer, however, indicated he had been in the area, Ledbetter said.

White, who has family living in Kalamazoo, was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and anorange jacket or vest.

Police ask that anyone with information about the shootings call KDPS at (269) 337-8994 or contact Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Gazette Reporter Lynn Turner contributed to this report. She can be contacted at lturner@kalamazoogazette.com or (269) 388-8564.




Girl, 15, arrested after hitting deputy with a chair while in jail lobby

$
0
0

A 15-year-old girl was arrested Wednesday in the lobby of the Kalamazoo County Jail after she struck a deputy with a chair, police said.

KALAMAZOO — A 15-year-old girl was arrested Wednesday in the lobby of the Kalamazoo County Jail after she struck a deputy with a chair, police said.

The girl was with an 18-year-old man in the front lobby of the jail at about 7 p.m. when she became “unruly, out of control” and struck a deputy with a metal chair, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Deputies determined that the girl and man, whose names were not released, were under the influence of alcohol or a drug and that the girl had registered at the jail under a false name, according to the sheriff’s office.

She was arrested on charges of assault on an officer and resisting and obstructing police and taken to the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home, pending a review of the case by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office.

Police were also seeking charges against the man of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, the news release said.

Contact Rex Hall Jr. at rhall@kalamazoogazette.com or (269) 388-7784.

Three teens arrested in Kalamazoo for allegedly beating man with a bat then stealing his cell phone

$
0
0

Three Kalamazoo teens who a witness said beat a man with a baseball bat then stole his cell phone were arrested Thursday night, police said.

KALAMAZOO — Three Kalamazoo teens who a witness said beat a man with a baseball bat  then stole his cell phone were arrested Thursday night, police said.

A 22-year-old Kalamazoo man told officers that three teens approached him in the 4000 block of Hawthorne Drive, asked him for directions, then beat him and stole his cell phone, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers said in a news release.

Officers searched the area and found  two 16-year-old suspects and an 18-year-old near the intersection of Drake Road and Arboretum Parkway. Officers recovered the cell phone stolen from the victim and a baseball bat, police said.

The 16-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery and taken to the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home. The 18-year-old was taken to the county jail.

Suspect in slaying of Kalamazoo couple arrested today in Chicago; police, prosecutors schedule press conference for 10:30 a.m.

$
0
0

A Chicago man wanted in connection with the Wednesday morning slaying of a Kalamazoo couple has been arrested in his hometown, authorities said Friday.

Christopher L. White, MemorialLeft - Christopher L. White. Right - A small memorial has been placed on the stairs leading to the apartment at Interfaith Homes where two people were shot Wednesday morning. Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29, were killed in a 2:55 a.m. shooting in an apartment at Interfaith Homes, off Woodward Avenue north of Paterson Street, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.
KALAMAZOO — A Chicago man wanted in connection with the Wednesday morning slaying of a Kalamazoo couple has been arrested in his hometown, authorities said Friday.

RELATED CONTENT
Kalamazoo police say homicide suspect has likely fled to Chicago

Probe into Kalamazoo double shooting continues: Neighbor heard child scream for her mother, "someone tussling"
Christopher L. White, 30, is charged with two counts of open murder, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of felony use of a firearm, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff FInk said.

Police had been searching for White since early Wednesday when Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers found Corey Darnell Johnson, 29, and Tamika S. Morris, 27, shot inside their second-floor apartment at Interfaith Homes, 1000 Interfaith Blvd. Morris died at the scene and Johnson was pronounced dead at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

The couple’s 9-year-old daughter, Treasure, was home at the time of the incident but was not harmed, police have said.

Fink said White was arrested in Chicago as part of a cooperative effort between the Department of Public Safety, FBI and the Chicago Police Department.

Police have described White as an acquaintance of Morris and Johnson and said White and Morris grew up together in Chicago.

Police and prosecutors have scheduled a press conference for 10:30 Friday morning at Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety headquarters to discuss the case.


Probe into Kalamazoo double shooting continues: Neighbor heard child scream for her mother, "someone tussling"

$
0
0

As she lay in bed early Wednesday morning, a resident of Interfaith Homes was shaken from her sleep by a loud crash and the cries of her neighbors' 9-year-old daughter.

memorial Interfaith Homes where two people were shot View full sizeA small memorial has been placed on the stairs leading to the apartment at Interfaith Homes where two people were shot Wednesday morning. Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29, were killed in a 2:55 a.m. shooting in an apartment at Interfaith Homes, off Woodward Avenue north of Paterson Street, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.KALAMAZOO — As she lay in bed early Wednesday morning, a resident of Interfaith Homes was shaken from her sleep by a loud crash and the cries of her neighbors’ 9-year-old daughter.

The woman, who identified herself only as Lula, recalled hearing fighting “like someone tussling” and sounds of things being tossed around in the second-floor apartment of Corey Darnell Johnson, Tamika Morris and their daughter, Treasure.

“She was screaming the whole time,” Lula said of 9-year-old Treasure. “The baby was calling for her mom.”

She said she heard the muffled voice of a man comforting Treasure, telling her that her mother was OK. As she grabbed a phone to call 911, she heard police running up the stairs to her neighbors’ apartment.

Officers who arrived at 2:55 a.m. Wednesday found Treasure unharmed but Johnson and Morris with gunshot wounds. Morris, 27, died at the scene and Johnson, 29, was pronounced dead later at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigators continued their search Thursday for Christopher L. White, 30, the man they suspect shot Johnson and Morris. White was an acquaintance of the couple who grew up with Morris in Chicago, police said.

Capt. Julie Parsons said White moved to Kalamazoo from Chicago about two months ago and had been staying with family in the 900 block of Princeton Avenue. She said police believe White, who is considered to be armed and dangerous, has likely gone back to Illinois.

“It’s very likely he has made it to Chicago, but we’re still working every lead that we’ve gotten,” she said. “That’s where the majority of his family is.”

Parsons said KDPS investigators have been in touch with Chicago-area police agencies to be on the lookout for White.

The police investigation of the shootings was being reviewed by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office. “I can’t comment on any potential charges at this time because we’re continuing the investigation,” Prosecutor Jeff Fink said Thursday afternoon.

At Interfaith Homes on Thursday, a neighbor of Johnson and Morris, who asked not to be identified, said he was preparing to go to bed early Wednesday morning when he heard  screams outside his apartment window. The man said a neighbor told him Morris had been wounded in the head and that the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a pit-bull puppy that Morris had taken from White’s home.

Parsons did say that police found a puppy was in the apartment where the shootings occurred, but declined to elaborate and police have not released information about a potential motive.

Police have not revealed how many times Johnson and Morris were shot or where they were wounded, and have not said whether they believe anyone other than Johnson, Morris, White and Treasure was present during the shootings.

The front door to the couple’s apartment was boarded up and a makeshift memorial consisting of a small, red-and-pink bear and flowers sat on the staircase leading to the unit Thursday.

“She had a lot of friends, she was loved,” one of Lula’s family members said of Morris. “They got along pretty good. Sometimes we hardly knew they were upstairs.”

“I’m just really sad,” said Lula, who with relatives described Johnson and Morris as homebodies who kept to themselves and doted on their daughter.

“It kind of changed the whole mood of my spirit ... People do bad things and you have to be strong,” she said.

Police described White as 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 165 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and an orange jacket or vest.

They ask that anyone with information about the shootings or White’s whereabouts call KDPS at (269) 337-8994 or contact Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Deputy chief's familiarity with former Chicago cop key in arrest of double-murder suspect Christoper White

$
0
0

A Chicago-area private investigator played a key role in the arrest of a 30-year-old man in connection with slaying of a couple at their Kalamazoo apartment, authorities said.

Christopher L. White, MemorialLeft - Christopher L. White. Right - A small memorial has been placed on the stairs leading to the apartment at Interfaith Homes where two people were shot Wednesday morning. Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29, were killed in a 2:55 a.m. shooting in an apartment at Interfaith Homes, off Woodward Avenue north of Paterson Street, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.
KALAMAZOO — A Chicago-area private investigator played a key role in the arrest of a 30-year-old man in connection with slaying of a couple at their Kalamazoo apartment, authorities said.

 
RELATED CONTENT
Probe into Kalamazoo double shooting continues: Neighbor heard child scream for her mother, "someone tussling"

Suspect in slaying of Kalamazoo couple arrested today in Chicago; police, prosecutors schedule press conference for 10:30 a.m.

UPDATE: Kalamazoo police say homicide suspect has likely fled to Chicago

UPDATE: Kalamazoo homicide victims identified as Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29

During their two-day search for Christopher L. White, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigators learned the Chicago native was the nephew of a retired Chicago Police Department homicide detective now employed with Fact Finders Group in Matteson, Ill., Public Safety Deputy Chief Samuel Harris said.

Harris, a 30-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department before joining KDPS, had worked for more than three years as part of a specialized internal affairs unit with Fact Finders’ chief executive officer, Kenneth Webb. During the search for White, Harris worked with Webb to have White’s uncle bring White to his Chicago home, where he was arrested at about 4 a.m. today by Chicago police and the FBI.

“It’s fortunate, because a person running around Chicago can stay hidden for long periods of time,” Harris said following a brief news conference this morning in Kalamazoo to announce White’s arrest. “It did expedite things ... We were lucky given the circumstances.”

White, who moved from Chicago to Kalamazoo about two months ago, was charged late Thursday in the shooting deaths of Tamika S. Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29. He was being held in Chicago this morning, awaiting extradition to Michigan, where he’ll face two counts of open murder, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of felony use of a firearm, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Fink said.

“We’re very relieved, obviously, not only for the family ... but also the community here in Kalamazoo,” Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley said of White’s arrest.

Police had been searching for White since early Wednesday, after Public Safety officers found Johnson and Morris shot inside their second-floor apartment at Interfaith Homes, 1000 Interfaith Boulevard. Morris died at the scene and Johnson was pronounced dead at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

The couple’s 9-year-old daughter, Treasure, was home at the time but was not harmed, police have said. Fink said the girl is staying with relatives.

The prosecutor said Friday that the double homicide stemmed from a disagreement over a puppy, but declined to elaborate.

Investigators have said they found a puppy inside the couple’s apartment. A neighbor interviewed Wednesday by the Kalamazoo Gazette, who declined to give his name, said that the shootings stemmed from a dispute over a pit bull puppy that Morris had taken from White’s home.

Police have described White as an acquaintance of Morris and Johnson and said White and Morris grew up together in Chicago.



3 Kalamazoo teens arrested in beating

$
0
0

Three Kalamazoo teens who reportedly beat a man with a baseball bat and then stole his cell phone were arrested Thursday night, police said.

KALAMAZOO — Three Kalamazoo teens who reportedly beat a man with a baseball bat and then stole his cell phone were arrested Thursday night, police said.

A 22-year-old Kalamazoo man told officers that three teens approached him in the 4000 block of Hawthorne Drive, asked him for directions, then beat him and stole his cell phone, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers said in a news release. A witness confirmed the victim’s account, police said.

Officers searched the area and found  two 16-year-old suspects and an 18-year-old near the intersection of Drake Road and Arboretum Parkway. Officers recovered the cell phone stolen from the victim and a baseball bat, police said.

The 16-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery and taken to the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home. The 18-year-old was taken to the county jail.

Kalamazoo police cite puppy-sale dispute as apparent motive in killings

$
0
0

A dispute over a puppy was the apparent motive in the shooting deaths of a Kalamazoo couple, police said Friday.

Christopher L. White, MemorialLeft - Christopher L. White. Right - A small memorial has been placed on the stairs leading to the apartment at Interfaith Homes where two people were shot Wednesday morning. Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29, were killed in a 2:55 a.m. shooting in an apartment at Interfaith Homes, off Woodward Avenue north of Paterson Street, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.KALAMAZOO — A dispute over a puppy was the apparent motive in the shooting deaths of a Kalamazoo couple, police said Friday.

Christopher L. White, who was arrested Friday and is charged with killing Tamika S. Morris and Corey Darnell Johnson, was selling puppies and believed one of them had been stolen, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Fink said.

That led to a confrontation with Morris and Johnson early Wednesday in the couple’s apartment at Interfaith Homes in Kalamazoo, authorities said. 
RELATED CONTENT
Probe into Kalamazoo double shooting continues: Neighbor heard child scream for her mother, "someone tussling"

Suspect in slaying of Kalamazoo couple arrested today in Chicago; police, prosecutors schedule press conference for 10:30 a.m.

UPDATE: Kalamazoo police say homicide suspect has likely fled to Chicago

UPDATE: Kalamazoo homicide victims identified as Tamika Morris, 27, and Corey Darnell Johnson, 29



“The incident revolved around a purchase and sale of three to four puppies and an allegation from the defendant that one was taken and not paid for,” Fink said.

The prosecutor declined to elaborate on the motive, but his comments about the puppies were similar to what one resident at Interfaith Homes told the Kalamazoo Gazette was the motivation for the killings. The man, who declined to give his name, said Wednesday that his neighbors were shot in a dispute over a pit-bull puppy that Morris had taken from White’s home.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers were called at about 2:55 a.m. Wednesday to the couple’s second-floor apartment, where they found Johnson, 29, and Morris, 27, with bullet wounds. Morris died at the scene, and Johnson was pronounced dead at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Their 9-year-old daughter was not harmed, police have said. Fink said the girl is staying with relatives.

White was arrested in Chicago at about 4 a.m. Friday by Chicago police and the FBI. He waived extradition proceedings and is expected next week to be brought to Michigan to face two counts of open murder, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of felony use of a firearm.

Police said a Chicago-area private investigator played a key role in White’s arrest.
During their two-day search for the suspect, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigators learned that White is the nephew of a retired Chicago Police Department homicide detective now employed with Fact Finders Group in Matteson, Ill., KDPS Deputy Chief Samuel Harris said.

Harris, a 30-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department before joining KDPS, had worked for more than three years as part of a special internal affairs unit with Fact Finders’ president and chief executive officer, Kenneth M. Webb Sr. During the search for White, Harris worked with Webb to have White’s uncle bring the murder suspect to his Chicago home, where he was arrested.

“It’s fortunate, because a person running around Chicago can stay hidden for long periods of time,” Harris said after a news conference Friday to announce White’s arrest. “It did expedite things ... We were lucky, given the circumstances.”

Police have described White, who moved from Chicago to Kalamazoo about two months ago, as an acquaintance of Morris and Johnson and said White and Morris grew up together in Chicago.

“We’re very relieved, obviously, not only for the family ... but also the community here in Kalamazoo,” Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley said of White’s arrest.

Contact Rex Hall Jr. at rhall@kalamazoogazette.com or (269) 388-7784.

Hartford man arrested on drug and driving charges

$
0
0

A 29-year-old Hartford man was arrested at around 10 p.m. Friday on charges of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, driving with a suspended license and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

LAWRENCE — A 29-year-old Hartford man was arrested at around 10 p.m. Friday on charges of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, driving with a suspended license and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

The deputies were leaving the parking lot of Red Arrow Bar, when they saw the suspect driving at high speed and turning in a reckless manner, according to a news release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver then turned into the bar’s rear parking lot, where officers discovered the driver had an open can of beer and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, the release said.
Investigators also discovered three baggies of cocaine — totaling 15.3 grams — between the driver’s seat and the center console, the release said.

The suspect had three prior charges of operating while intoxicated and three prior charges of driving with a suspended license, according to authorities. He was taken to the Van Buren County jail.

Three bar employees arrested on cocaine charges

$
0
0

Three men were arrested Friday on charges of selling cocaine at a Lawrence bar where they worked.

LAWRENCE — Three men were arrested Friday on charges of selling cocaine at a Lawrence bar where they worked.

Raul Garcia, 60, of South Haven; Mario Muniz, 34, of South Haven; and David Jackson, 30, of Lawrence — all employees of the bar — were arrested at around 7 p.m. at the Red Arrow Bar, 106 E. Joseph St., in Lawrence, on charges of delivering and manufacturing cocaine, according to a news release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.

During a three-month investigation, cocaine was purchased from Garcia, Muniz and Jackson, investigators reported in the news release.

The investigators obtained a search warrant and found about 3.5 grams of cocaine and $242 on Garcia, they said. The investigation at the bar led to additional search warrants, and investigators said they found $951 at an apartment on East St. Joseph Street, in Lawrence, and documents and records at another location in South Haven.

Man arrested in South Haven Township home invasions

$
0
0

An arrest has been made in connection with two South Haven Township home invasions in July.

SOUTH HAVEN TOWNSHIP — An arrest has been made in connection with two South Haven Township home invasions in July.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 40-year-old South Haven man who is on parole for previous home invasions, according to a news release from the agency.

Deputies say the man was interviewed after the crimes and was found to be in possession of property allegedly stolen in the home invasions.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of home invasion in the second degree, and he also has violated his parole status, police said.

The Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the case, and the man is waiting arraignment.

WANTED: A look at people being sought by local police as of Dec. 20, 2009

$
0
0

Police ask that anyone with information about these people call Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or go to the Web site www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Police ask that anyone with information about these people call Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or go to the Web site www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.



Mark SannemanMark SannemanMark Allen Sanneman

Age: 47

Wanted:
On a charge of possession of marijuana.

Description:
White male, 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 220 pounds, has brown hair and blue eyes.

Possible location:
6900 block of Lovers Lane in Portage.










Dwight SykesDwight SykesDwight Antwan Sykes Jr.

Age:
29

Wanted:
On a charge of possession of marijuana.

Description:
Black male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on both arms.

Possible location:
5100 block of Beckley Road in Kalamazoo.








Deon ThomasDeon ThomasDeon LaShaunn Thomas

Age:
46

Wanted:
On charges of delivery/manufacture of less than 50 grams of a controlled substance, delivery/manufacture of 5-45 kilos of marijuana and possession of controlled substance. He is also wanted by the Kalamazoo County Friend of the Court agency.

Description:
Black male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 185 pounds, bald head and brown eyes.

Possible location:
13500 Manor Street in Detroit.







Michael VanderzelMichael VanderzelMichael Donald Vanderzel

Age:
47

Wanted:
On charges of operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine, possession of methampmphetamine/ecstasy and possession of marijuana.

Description:
White male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, has gray hair and brown eyes. He has a scar on his chin.

Possible location:
4200 block of Fireside Avenue in Portage.








Information provided by Kalamazoo County law enforcement agencies.

Two arrested after purse snatching, BB-gun shooting at The Pointe apartments

$
0
0

Deputies arrested a man they believe snatched a young woman's purse and shot her in the back with a BB gun Sunday night, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office.

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP — Deputies arrested a man they believe snatched a young woman’s purse and shot her in the back with a BB gun Sunday night, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.

The woman was not hurt.

Undersheriff Pali Matyas Matyas said a man approached a 19-year-old woman at about 8:50 p.m. in the parking lot of The Pointe apartments, 5800 Jefferson Commons Circle, and demanded her purse. He then shot the woman in the shoulder blade with a BB gun, grabbed her purse and fled, Matyas said.

Deputies found a 20-year-old matching a description given by the woman inside a car at the apartment complex and arrested him on an armed robbery charge, according to the sheriff’s office. A 17-year-old male who was with him was arrested on unrelated warrants.

A sheriff K-9 unit found the BB gun.

The pair told deputies they had been at a party at the apartment complex the previous night.

“We tell students that when they thrown these big parties, not just their friends show up, but a criminal element shows up,” Matyas said.






Latest Images