KALAMAZOO, MI โ A surge of gun violence over the Fourth of July weekend has shaken the Kalamazoo community, prompting an urgent and wide-reaching investigation by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS). Between the evening of July 4 and the early morning hours of July 5, four separate shootings were reported, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
According to Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton, detectives from the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division are actively pursuing leads in each case, though no suspects are in custody at this time. The series of violent events has prompted an increased police presence across the city, as officials work to ensure public safety and prevent any potential acts of retaliation.
Incident 1: Krom Street โ Multiple Victims, Multiple Shooters Suspected
The first incident unfolded at approximately 10:50 p.m. on July 4 in the 1300 block of Krom Street, where officers responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, police discovered two victims:
- A 15-year-old male in critical condition
- A 41-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to the ankle
Shortly after, a 23-year-old male arrived at a nearby hospital with a similar leg wound, indicating his likely involvement in the same incident. Investigators recovered multiple shell casings at the scene, suggesting that more than one firearm was discharged during the altercation.
Incident 2: Center Street โ Stray Bullet at Bonfire
Just after midnight on July 5, at approximately 12:18 a.m., KDPS received another call regarding a shooting. A 28-year-old man reported being struck in the arm by a stray bullet while attending a bonfire in the 1400 block of Center Street. The man, who initially did not realize he had been shot, is in stable condition and was treated at a local hospital.
Incident 3: W. Paterson Street โ One Dead, Two Injured
Perhaps the most devastating of the four incidents occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. in the 1200 block of W. Paterson Street. Officers already in the area monitoring a large gathering heard multiple gunshots and quickly responded.
They found a 34-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two additional victims, aged 29 and 23, sustained gunshot wounds to their legs and were transported for medical treatment. At least one firearm was recovered, and investigators believe that multiple weapons were fired during this incident.
Incident 4: Woodward Avenue โ Exchange of Gunfire, Teen Injured
Chief David Boysen Addresses the Surge in Violence
In response to the series of violent events, KDPS Chief David Boysen issued a strong statement:
โThis level of gun violence is unacceptable. Our investigators are working around the clock to hold those responsible accountable. Weโre asking residents to let us do that work, without adding more danger to our streets through retaliation.โ
Chief Boysen also emphasized the departmentโs commitment to community safety and transparency. He noted that the increased police presence is not only to deter further violence but also to reassure residents that law enforcement is doing everything possible to restore peace and hold perpetrators accountable.
Community Assistance Needed
Despite actively pursuing leads, detectives are urging the communityโs help. Anyone who witnessed any of the shootings or has information โ even something that may seem small or insignificant โ is asked to step forward.
โYou may think what you know doesnโt matter,โ said Hamelton. โBut that one detail could be what solves a case or prevents the next act of violence.โ
Residents who wish to remain anonymous can contact the Kalamazoo Silent Observer in the following ways:
- Phone: 269-343-2100
- App: โP3Tipsโ
Ongoing Investigation
All four shootings remain active investigations, and KDPS urges the public to avoid speculation and misinformation as they continue to process evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses.
The department is expected to release updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, officials urge residents to remain alert, report suspicious activity, and check in on loved ones.
By authority of: Zach Hamelton, Public Information Officer
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety