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Kalamazoo Public Safety: 10 arrests, 10 firearms seized after July 4 youth shootings; gun amnesty program promoted
Summary
Kalamazoo Public Safety reported arrests and firearm seizures tied to a July 4 surge in youth shootings and promoted a gun amnesty program to remove weapons from homes.
Kalamazoo Public Safety told the City Commission on July 21 that officers and the city’s street outreach team made 10 arrests and seized 10 firearms following a cluster of shootings on the July 4 weekend that involved youth, Chief Dave Boysen said.
Chief Dave Boysen told commissioners the arrests targeted a small number of young people “age 15 to 19” whom officers and outreach workers identified and that the department worked with the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office to seek “high cash bonds” and lodge several juveniles in custody to remove them from the streets and reduce immediate risk.
“We were able to make 10 arrests, seize 10 firearms,” Boysen said, adding that youth violence “virtually went to 0” after the enforcement actions and outreach. He said the department continued to investigate separate adult-involved shootings over the weekend.
Boysen and staff also highlighted a gun amnesty program run with area churches and pastors, led by Pastor Jennings. The program allows parents or residents to turn in firearms with “no questions asked” by contacting participating churches; Boysen noted more than 10 guns have been turned in so far and directed residents to the department’s website (search “Kalamazoo Gun Amnesty”) for participating locations.
Commissioners praised the combined enforcement and prevention approach. Commissioner John Cooney thanked Public Safety and outreach partners and reiterated calls for additional youth programming and a North Side youth center, saying the commission should continue funding alternatives to violence. Commissioner Michael Prado and Commissioner Bridal also underscored the need for mentorship organizations and community support after noting federal funding constraints; Vice Mayor Hess and others referenced ongoing programs such as the Police Athletic League and midnight basketball as active prevention efforts.
Boysen said the department prefers mediation and engagement and only uses enforcement when outreach fails to change behavior. He said the department’s street outreach work and partnerships with community groups were central to the response.
The commission did not take formal action on the report; the briefing was presented for information and to highlight community resources and ongoing enforcement.
