KDPS Arrests Suspect in Downtown Vandalism Spree

Published on February 19, 2026

On February 19 at approximately 7:06 AM, officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded to a report of a broken storefront window in the 200 block of South Kalamazoo Mall.

Upon arrival, officers discovered damage at nearby businesses and quickly determined the incident was not isolated. As officers canvassed the downtown area, they located additional broken windows between Park Street and the 300 block of East Michigan Avenue.

In total, approximately seven businesses and nonprofit organizations were affected. Preliminary damage estimates exceed $10,000.

During the investigation, officers accessed the department’s FUSUS camera system. This played a crucial role in identifying the suspect and tracking his movements throughout the downtown area. Investigators were able to review footage in real time, confirm the suspect’s direction of travel and relay that information directly to officers in the field.

Because of the immediate access to camera footage, officers were able to quickly locate and arrest a 47-year-old man on East Michigan Avenue near Kalamazoo Mall who is believed to be responsible for the damage. He was taken into custody without incident.

The ability to quickly identify and locate the suspect prevented further damage to additional businesses and minimized disruption to the downtown community.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the KDPS Operations Division at 269-337-8142. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, via the “P3Tips” app, or online at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.

By authority of: Master PIO Zach Hamelton