PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Following incidents of violence and vandalism in the City of Kalamazoo Monday night, the City of Portage has enacted a curfew for the night of Tuesday, June 2.
The incidents in Kalamazoo have prompted the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) to enact their own emergency curfew, and Portage is imposing similar restrictions.
The local state of emergency order was signed Tuesday by Portage Mayor Patricia Randall, according to city officials.
“I am a firm supporter of the First Amendment and the right to peacefully assemble,” Mayor Randall said. “The city continues to monitor the situation to ensure that all of our residents, visitors and the business community are safe.”
The Portage curfew will last from 7 p.m. June 2 until 5 a.m. on June 3 within Portage city limits.
Officials say that the City Administration and the Portage Department of Public Safety are closely monitoring events occurring in the region and working with local partner agencies to safeguard Portage residents and businesses.
“We are taking these precautions based on violent activity overnight in the City of Kalamazoo,” City Manager Joe La Margo said. “The curfew will be enforced by the Portage Department of Public Safety.”
Exceptions to the curfew include individuals driving to and from work, seeking medical care or fleeing dangerous circumstances, as well as federal, state and local officials conducting business.
