KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Multiple suspects have been charged with allegedly planning to retaliate for a fatal shooting in Kalamazoo earlier this month.
12 suspects were arrested during a series of traffic stops over the past weekend after investigators received information that a group of Benton Harbor residents was preparing to retaliate for the April 11th shooting of Londrell Cook, escalating a feud between some residents of the two cities.
The 26-year-old was killed by gunfire near the 800 block of Woodbury Avenue on Kalamazoo’s northside. He was later transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries later that day. Two other people were also shot and sustained injuries during the incident.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said in a released statement on Monday that officers were able to identify and track a dozen area residents believed to be planning revenge for the shooting in Benton Harbor, and a separate group linked to Cook’s shooting in Kalamazoo.
Three men from Kalamazoo and nine from Benton Harbor ranging in age from 17-24 were arrested during an operation to apprehend the suspects over the weekend.
Police say two of the suspects involved in Cook’s death were arrested during the operation, both held on unrelated charges.
Five of the Benton Harbor suspects were arraigned on April 22 in Kalamazoo County District Court, with four others released from jail after the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office declined to press charges in the case.
22-year-old Marquise Davis was charged with fleeing and eluding officers. 19-year-old Edward Porter and 24-year-old Phillip Napier were charged with carrying a concealed weapon when they were arrested. 20-year-old Christopher Campbell and 19-year-old James Bogan were charged for carrying a concealed weapon and other gun charges.
Kalamazoo residents 29-year-old Fharis Smith and 30-year-old Dauntrell Walker were arraigned in Kalamazoo County District Court on April 21st.
A third individual unconnected to the feud was arrested over the weekend for fleeing and eluding police. The unidentified 17-year-old suspect intentionally crashed into a police cruiser and was arrested while trying to hide under a car on the 200 block of West Maple Street.
Responding officers began to chase the suspect after being called for reports of gunfire on South Howard Street.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan State Police, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo Township Police, the Western Michigan University Police Department, and the Portage Department of Public Safety all assisted with the weekend arrests.
