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After weekend shootings, Kalamazoo police increase patrols and ask public for tips
Summary
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety reported four shooting incidents July 4–5 that left eight victims, one fatally; police say they are increasing patrols, working with outreach partners and asking witnesses to provide tips.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety reported four separate shooting incidents between about 11:50 p.m. on July 4 and 4 a.m. on July 5 that left eight shooting victims, including one person who died and another in critical condition, Chief Boyce told the City Commission on July 7.
"This was not a shooting incident. These were shootouts," Chief Boyce said, adding investigators found many shell casings at multiple scenes. He said at least two juveniles — ages 15 and 17 — were involved and that detectives and community street-outreach workers are engaging families.
Police action and request for help: Boyce said the department has increased patrols and reassigned officers to focus on the shootings. He asked community members with information to contact detectives at (269) 337-8139, Silent Observer at the anonymous tip line, or submit tips via the department’s online system or app.
Why it matters: Commissioners and public speakers framed the violence as a pressing public-safety emergency that has deep community effects. Several commissioners read the names of people killed or wounded this year and urged the public to partner with police and outreach organizations to stop retaliatory violence.
Commissioner Wilson said the community has “a trail of grieving families” and urged use of intermediaries for those reluctant to contact police directly. Vice Mayor Hess praised officers, outreach partners and pastors on patrol and emphasized a proactive community response to reduce shootings.
What police said they are doing: Boyce described evidence collection, witness interviews and cooperation with street outreach teams. He said tips have come in but the department needs more eyewitness accounts — specifically naming the Douglas and Patterson shooting as one scene with many potential witnesses.
Public comments at the meeting also expressed broader concerns about city safety and calls for more proactive services, mental-health supports and youth programming.
No arrests were announced during the presentation; Chief Boyce said investigators were continuing to develop cases and that community cooperation is critical.
