RICHLAND TOWNSHIP (WKZO-AM) — The suspect in a kidnapping and sexual assault case was captured in Kalamazoo during a joint agency operation.
It began Friday when a couple delivering newspapers discovered a woman on North 24th Street in Richland Township covered in blood and crying. She was transported to Bronson Emergency for treatment. Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s deputies were told that she had accepted a ride from an acquaintance.
Investigators say the suspect drove her to a secluded area in northeast Kalamazoo County. He brandished a gun, struck her in the head and sexually assaulted her.
The suspect then drove away, leaving her bleeding on the ground. Deputies put out an alert for the suspect and the vehicle.
Late Friday afternoon, detectives spotted the vehicle on Patterson Street and called for backup from Kalamazoo Public Safety.
The driver fled and the vehicle was discovered abandoned on Lulu Street.
Officers later spotted the suspect walking on Park Street. After a short foot pursuit, the 29-year-old was captured.
The sheriff’s department says charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon are pending. He is due to be arraigned Monday.
