KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Suspicion over a moving group damaging property has now vandalized the downtown Kalamazoo area.
Kalamazoo Public Safety police cruisers responded to the scene at West Michigan Avenue near Rose Street in downtown around Kalamazoo 10:30 p.m. Monday night. This happened long after a peaceful protest ended in the same area. The first damage occurred when a group smashed a window at the Kalamazoo County Courthouse before 11 p.m.
The group shut down the street and then continued to move. Around 12:20 a.m. KDPS released a tweet that stated, “Please avoid the downtown area. Officers are responding to multiple vandalism complaints in the area and meeting significant resistance from agitators.”
That’s when vandals broke windows at multiple businesses along the Kalamazoo Mall and tagged structures with graffiti. Vehicles were damaged at the Mercedes-Benz Mazda dealership on Michigan Avenue near South Westnedge Avenue.
Michigan State Police and Battle Creek police were called in to assist.
Police used tear gas to work people out of the downtown area around 1 a.m. Tuesday. They also used lines of officers and some type of projectiles to push people out. Multiple streets were shut down as multiple units addressed the crowds.
Around 2:05 a.m. officers announced that people had five minutes to get out of the area or they could be subject to arrest if they are still out.
It’s unclear how many arrests have been made at this time. Kalamazoo’s Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas called it a very hostile situation and asked everyone to avoid the area as they clean up the damage and begin to board up businesses.
Around 3:30 a.m. businesses owners were already seen along the Kalamazoo Mall surveying the damage and sweeping up broken glass near their store fronts.
Just before 4 a.m. Kalamazoo County Board Chair Julie Rogers released a statement on Facebook declaring a State of Emergency for the area. It read, “After receiving a briefing from our Sheriff, it is with a heavy heart I am informing you I have signed a local State of Emergency Declaration effective immediately. More details will be provided at a later time. Additionally, Kalamazoo County Government buildings will be closed Tuesday, June 2, 2020.”
This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.
