Kalamazoo Public Safety (KDPS)

𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵 On Monday, March 23, 2026, Elham Muzamel Hamid, 20, was arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with a Christmas Eve 2025 traffic crash that claimed the life of 68-year-old Marcie Nance. Hamid was arraigned before Judge Hemingway and issued a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office authorized the charge on Thursday, March 19. Hamid was taken into custody the following day. The charge stems from a crash that occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the intersection of South Burdick Street and Hutchinson Street. Upon arrival, officers located two heavily damaged vehicles. One vehicle was occupied by an unresponsive female driver who required extrication. Officers immediately rendered life-saving aid; however, the driver, Marcie Nance, 68, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation determined that Nance had stopped at the intersection of Hutchinson Street and South Burdick Street and was attempting to turn northbound onto South Burdick Street. Before completing the turn, her vehicle was struck by a southbound vehicle driven by Hamid, which was traveling at a high rate of speed. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139. Information can also be provided anonymously through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, the “P3Tips” app, or online at KalamazooSilentObserver.com. By authority of: Master PIO Zach Hamelton #KDPS #CID #TrafficCrash #NewsRelease

𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗗𝗣𝗦? 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻. The registration deadline for our April 8 Recruitment Open House has been extended. You now have until 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭 𝗮𝘁 𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 to register. After registration, a KDPS recruiter will complete your background review and contact you with next steps, including the location, time, and what to bring. If you’ve been considering a career with KDPS, don’t miss this opportunity. Register here: us.openforms.com/Form/9ce0e6e9-… #KDPS #PublicSafety #Careers #Recruitment

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻 ‘𝟵𝟱 Taking it back to 1995 with KDPS fire crews getting to work on a house fire, performing vertical ventilation. Up on the roof, cutting through and letting that heat and smoke escape. It was just as intense then as it is now. The gear may look a little different, but the job hasn’t changed. Still getting after it. #KDPS #Firefighting #ThrowBackThursday #PublicSafety

This past Friday the 13th… things got a little intense at the KVCC Police & Corrections Academy. Sgt. Mireles checked in on recruits during OC Spray Day, where every future officer experiences pepper spray firsthand. Because knowing when to use it starts with knowing exactly how it hits. Safe to say… it’s a lesson no one forgets. #KDPS #FridayThe13th #OCSprayDay #PoliceTraining #PublicSafety

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥 – 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 facebook.com/share/p/1AjCp6…

☘️ 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝘁. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗞𝗗𝗣𝗦 ☘️ We had a great time this past weekend taking part in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It was awesome seeing so many people out enjoying the celebration and showing community pride. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a fun event. If you’re celebrating today, please plan ahead, celebrate responsibly, and never drink and drive. #KDPS #PipeAndDrum #StPatricksDay #PublicSafety

During the severe weather season, KDPS will test the emergency sirens in the City of Kalamazoo every Sunday at noon, starting today. Have a great Sunday!

PSO Christina Ellis takes One Last Ride through the city she served for over 26 years. In uniform and behind the wheel of her cruiser, she reflects on a career that began with Kalamazoo Public Safety in 1999 while reconnecting with local business owners and community members along the way. Over the course of her career, Ellis served in many roles, including Detective and one of the original members of KDPS Squad 6, helping establish the department’s technical rescue unit. She also served as an Engine Operator, Court Officer, Honor Guard member, Peer Support member, background investigator, and LGBTQ+ Liaison. Congratulations on your retirement, Christina, and thank you for over 26 years of service to Kalamazoo. #KDPS #Kalamazoo #KalamazooPublicSafety #Retirement #OneLastRide youtu.be/d7VwMrSxzKM?si…

𝗖𝗥𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀, 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗝𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 On March 9th, 2026, members of the Crime Reduction Team (CRT) were conducting a directed patrol related to gun violence at Interfaith Homes. During the directed patrol, CRT observed a 14-year-old male who was wanted on a weapons offense that occurred in Kalamazoo County. A second juvenile, a 16-year-old male, was observed associating with the suspect. Both juvenile males were demonstrating characteristics of being armed with firearms. The two juveniles entered a vehicle as passengers. A traffic stop was conducted in the 1600 block of N Westnedge Ave. When contacting the vehicle, CRT investigators observed both juveniles removing an item from their waistband and motion to the floorboard of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded firearms at the feet of both the 14-year-old and 16-year-old males. One of the firearms seized during the incident was reported stolen out of the City of Kalamazoo in 2023. Both juveniles were lodged at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile home on numerous weapons offenses. If you have information about this case, please call KVET at 269-337-8880. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, the “P3Tips” app, or online at KalamazooSilentObserver.com. By authority of: Sergeant Dan Boglitsch #KDPS #CRT #NewsRelease #Arrest #PublicSafety

𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded Monday evening to a large fire at a metal recycling facility in the 1500 block of Kings Highway. At approximately 7:37 p.m. on March 9, 2026, KDPS was dispatched to reports of a fire involving a large pile of metal awaiting recycling. When officers arrived, they encountered heavy flames and thick smoke coming from the pile. The smoke plume was visible from a considerable distance and prompted numerous calls from residents throughout the area. Fire crews began suppression efforts immediately and worked through the night to contain the blaze. The fire was brought under control by approximately 4 a.m., after crews used more than one million gallons of water to suppress the flames. Fire crews remained on scene into the morning hours while crews continued working with facility staff using heavy equipment to expose and extinguish remaining hot spots. The fire remained contained to the metal piles at the facility. No injuries to civilians or emergency personnel were reported. The City of Kalamazoo Department of Public Services activated its community air monitoring system during the incident. Elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) were detected in areas near the fire between midnight and 6 a.m. PM2.5 refers to very small particles in the air that can be breathed into the lungs and may cause irritation or breathing issues for some people. Officials reported that the readings steadily declined afterward and by 9 a.m. were comparable to levels recorded in other Kalamazoo neighborhoods and in other Michigan communities. Public Services has also notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regarding the potential for runoff from the fire entering the Kalamazoo River. City staff are monitoring the river and nearby storm sewer outfalls for any signs of oil sheen. KDPS also deployed a drone to survey the area Tuesday morning and did not observe any visible sheen on the river. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at (269) 337-8120 or Kalamazoo Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at KalamazooSilentObserver.com or through the free P3Tips mobile app. By authority of: Master PIO Zach Hamelton #KDPS #NewsRelease #Fire #PublicServices

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟱 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗞𝗗𝗣𝗦 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗦𝗢 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. Christina joined Kalamazoo Public Safety on August 16, 1999, and served the community in numerous roles throughout her career. She was promoted to Detective in 2004, where she worked complex and sensitive investigations protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Later in her career, Ellis transitioned to the fire side of the department and became one of the original members of KDPS Squad 6, helping set the standard for the technical rescue unit in its early days. Throughout her time with KDPS, she also served as an Engine Operator, Court Officer, Technical Rescue Team member, Honor Guard member, Peer Support member, background investigator, and LGBTQ+ Liaison, while also contributing to the Michigan 5th District Technical Rescue Team. Last week, colleagues, friends, and family gathered to celebrate Christina’s career and thank her for the impact she made on this department and the Kalamazoo community. Congratulations on your retirement, Christina, and thank you for 25 years of service. #KDPS #PublicSafety #Retirement #Congratulations

𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 A Kalamazoo man has been sentenced in connection with a 2024 shooting that left multiple people injured. On December 3, 2024, at approximately 5:19 p.m., Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) officers were dispatched to the 4200 block of West Main Street for a report of shots fired. First arriving officers discovered that three people had been struck by gunfire, with a fourth person injured by shrapnel. During an extensive investigation that included digital evidence, ballistic analysis, and forensic work, detectives identified Javion Jamar Jackson and Dominique Daurye Motton as suspects in the shooting. Both suspects were eventually located and taken into custody. On February 4, 2026, a jury found Mr. Jackson guilty of the following charges: • Assault with intent to commit murder (5 counts) • Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder (3 counts) • Discharging a firearm from a vehicle causing injury (3 counts) • Felony firearm (11 counts) • Carrying a concealed weapon • Tampering with evidence On March 9, 2026, Mr. Jackson was sentenced by the Honorable Paul J. Bridenstine to 22 to 40 years in prison for the charges related to the shooting. Mr. Motton is currently awaiting trial for his role in the incident. “While no court decision can undo the harm caused, today’s sentencing brings an important measure of accountability in a case that deeply impacted our community,” said Captain Danielle Guilds of the Criminal Investigations Division. “Our thoughts remain with those who were injured and their families.” By authority of: Master PIO Zach Hamelton #KDPS #TrialUpdate #Sentencing #NewsRelease

𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧: Due to a water main break Howard Street between Indiana Street and Merrill Street will be closed completely for the remainder of the day. Please seek alternate routes. An update will be posted once it reopens. #KDPS #Traffic #WaterMain

𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸! This week we are proud to share this incredible photo featuring PSO Shear and the late PSO Straka during their time assigned to the Motors Unit and Traffic. Both officers dedicated years of service to keeping our community safe and represented the professionalism and pride of KDPS every time they hit the road. Photos like this remind us of the legacy left by those who wore the badge before us. We are grateful for their service and honored to remember them. #KDPS #ThrowbackThursday #Motorcycle #PublicSafety

𝗞𝗗𝗣𝗦 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗲 Officers with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) are investigating a non-fatal shooting that occurred Wednesday night on the city’s west side. At approximately 10:47 p.m. on March 4, 2026, KDPS officers responded to the 4400 block of Forest Hills Lane after a third-party caller reported hearing an argument followed by gunshots and someone yelling that they had been shot. Officers initially did not locate any victims at the scene. A short time later, a Michigan State Police trooper located a 24-year-old male victim at a nearby apartment complex. The man had sustained a graze wound to his left calf. During the investigation, a second victim, a 16-year-old female who is the man’s sister, arrived at a local hospital with a graze wound to her right shin. Preliminary information indicates the incident began as an argument near the 4400 block of Forest Hills. The situation escalated when a suspect fired multiple shots before fleeing through the parking lot. At this time, investigators have limited information regarding the suspect or any associated vehicles. Detectives are actively pursuing leads. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact KDPS Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Kalamazoo Silent Observer at 269-343-2100, through the P3Tips app, or online at KalamazooSilentObserver.com. By authority of: Master PIO Zach Hamelton #KDPS #CID #NewsRelease #PublicSafety

In this clip from the latest episode of Riding with Gonzo, a student driver does his absolute best to explain his way out of trouble. The only problem is that the more he talks, the more tickets he might be earning. #KDPS #RidingWithGonzo #Police #TrafficStops

𝗞𝗗𝗣𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) is providing an update in the homicide investigation that occurred on Feb. 22, 2026, in the 100 block of East Paterson Street. On Feb. 26, 2026, the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office authorized a seven-count felony warrant for Nelson Devon Cobas, 37, in connection with the incident. Cobas is charged with: • Open murder • Assault with intent to murder • Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person • Carrying a concealed weapon • Three counts of felony firearm Cobas remains outstanding and is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as a Black male, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 165 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He is encouraged to turn himself in to law enforcement immediately. As previously reported, officers responded to reports of shots fired at approximately 5 p.m. on Feb. 22. Jamel Jonte-Jerome Coleman, 35, suffered a fatal gunshot wound and later died at a local hospital. A 33-year-old woman was also struck by gunfire and treated for non-life-threatening injuries before being released. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information regarding Cobas’ whereabouts is asked to contact KDPS Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Kalamazoo Silent Observer at 269-343-2100, through the P3Tips app, or online at KalamazooSilentObserver.com. By authority of: Master PIO Zach Hamelton #KDPS #CID #Homicide #NewsRelease

𝗞𝗩𝗘𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘃𝗲 On February 24th, 2026, members of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) and Crime Reduction Team (CRT,) with the assistance of the Kalamazoo Metro SWAT team (KM-SWAT,) executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Reed Ave, in the City of Kalamazoo, following an investigation into drug sales and illegal weapons possession. The suspect, a 43-year-old male, was detained without incident. A search of his residence was conducted which yielded a stolen firearm, approximately 4 ½ ounces of methamphetamine, quantities of cocaine and fentanyl packaged for sale, evidence of drug manufacturing and distribution, and US currency, which is believed to be profits of drug sales. The firearm had been reported stolen to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department in 2024. The suspect was arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on the following charges: • Possession with Intent to Deliver – Cocaine • Possession with Intent to Deliver – Heroin / Fentanyl • Possession with Intent to Deliver – Methamphetamine • Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm • Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition • Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - Firearm • Felony Firearm • Conditional Bond Violation The suspect has been previously convicted of felony charges and cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. Additionally, the suspect had been recently arrested in January 2026 for illegally possessing multiple firearms. After his arraignment on that incident, he was issued a $500 cash or surety bond prior to his release. The suspect’s name will not be released at this time. If you have information about this case, please call KVET at 269-337-8880. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, the “P3Tips” app, or online at KalamazooSilentObserver.com. By authority of: Sergeant Ryan Perez #KDPS #KVET #CRT #SWAT #NewsRelease #PublicSafety

𝗞𝗗𝗣𝗦 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 On Wednesday, February 18, we met with community leaders from across Kalamazoo for our 1st Quarterly Community Conversation. We appreciate everyone who took the time to be part of a thoughtful and productive discussion. During the meeting, we talked through Community Violence Intervention efforts and ongoing Community Outreach Meetings, the role of our Victim Advocates and how they assist with cases within KDPS, and our Gun Amnesty Program in partnership with Pastors on Patrol, which has helped remove 19 guns from the streets. We also had an in-depth conversation about Policy 414 regarding immigration. If you would like to review the crime data, statistics, and reports shared during the meeting, you can find them on the Transparency page of our website at kalamazoopublicsafety.org/Transparency. Thank you to everyone in attendance. These conversations matter, and we remain committed to keeping them going. #KDPS #CommunityOutreach #StrongerTogether #Kalamazoo

𝗞𝗗𝗣𝗦 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵 On Feb. 23, 2026, Nyra Antinique Whitelow, 24, was sentenced by Judge Bridenstine in connection with the 2023 fatal crash in the 3600 block of Stadium Drive. Whitelow was sentenced to: • 20 to 40 years in prison for Second-Degree Murder • 2 to 5 years in prison for Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment The sentences will be served concurrently. On Jan. 27, 2026, a jury found Whitelow guilty of both charges following a trial that detailed the circumstances surrounding the crash. Evidence presented in court showed Whitelow was traveling more than twice the posted speed limit when her vehicle struck another vehicle occupied by 22-year-old Audrey Hensley and her boyfriend. Ms. Hensley died as a result of the crash. Her boyfriend sustained critical injuries and required extensive medical treatment. The investigation determined that excessive speed was a significant factor in the collision. While the sentencing concludes the criminal proceedings in this case, the impact of that night continues for those who lost a loved one and for those whose lives were permanently altered. Our thoughts remain with Audrey’s family and loved ones. By authority of Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton #KDPS #CID #CaseUpdate #Sentencing #NewsRelease