KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tensions started to rise in downtown Kalamazoo Monday night after reports of a moving crowd attempting to break into nearby businesses.
Dozens of Kalamazoo Public Safety police cruisers responded to the scene at West Michigan Avenue near Rose Street in downtown Kalamazoo around 10:30 pm. Monday, just hours after a peaceful prayer vigil took place in the same area outside the Kalamazoo County Courthouse.
While the front doors of the courthouse and nearby buildings were already boarded up to prevent any damage, there was one report of a shattered window at the courthouse.
Around 11:30 p.m. KDPS was seen blocking West Michigan west of Rose Street. The crowds were slowly starting to disperse at that time but there were still some arguments between protesters and officers.
At that time there were reports of at least 1 arrest but no other details have been released at this time.
It seemed that officers were following a possible group that was on the move, looking for businesses to break into. No other damage was reported as of 11:45 p.m. Monday, but that quickly escalated shortly after midnight.
Businesses were vandalized, vehicles were damaged, and windows were shattered as the group continued their destruction through the downtown area.
These actions seemed similar to what is known as the “x-train” in Kalamazoo. A roaming caravan of cars that has been wreaking havoc on the city’s Northside for years, but apparently authorities later said that the destruction was not done by the x-train. The group is known for causing damage to nearby property, blocking streets, making noise, etc.
More information on the downtown damage can be found here.
In addition, police are also searching for suspicious unmarked buses in the Portage area.
Around 9:30 p.m. authorities reported spotting one near Constitution Boulevard and Romence Road as well as Oakland Drive and Centre Avenue.
Anyone with more information should contact authorities.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
— Copy written by Jeana Gondek. —
