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Published on June 24, 2025
On June 21st, 2025, members of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) and Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) Operations Division, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF,) were taking part in an operation to address gun violence in the City of Kalamazoo. The intention of this operation was to locate and apprehend those who are illegally possessing firearms. Somarion Bennett, who had multiple outstanding warrants related to weapon offenses, was located in the 1300 block of Portage St. This subject was known to KVET as he had been previously arrested for illegally carrying a firearm in May of 2025. Prior to contact, Bennett was observed with another male, whose name will not be released at this time. The unnamed 17-year-old subject was believed to be concealing a firearm. When contact was attempted with the 2 suspects, they both fled on foot. The 17-year-old discarded a firearm before being taken into custody. Bennett was taken into custody after a foot pursuit. A search of the vehicle that both suspects were inside of yielded a firearm. This firearm had been discarded by Bennett prior to him fleeing on foot. The firearm had been reported stolen out of Benton Harbor in 2024. Bennett was arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. Additionally, he had been recently arrested in May 2025 for illegally possessing a firearm that was also reported stolen. After his arraignment on that incident, he was issued a personal recognizance bond and released from the county jail. On 6/23/2025, Bennett was arraigned on the following charges from the incident that occurred on 6/21/25: • Weapons – Carrying Concealed • Firearms – Prohibited Person in Possession • Felony Firearm • Ammunition – Prohibited Person in Possession • Felony Firearm • Resisting / Obstructing Police (x2) The 17-year-old male was arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo Juvenile Home on the following charges: • Weapons – Carrying Concealed • Resisting / Obstructing Police (x2) If you have information about this case, please call KVET at 269-337-8880. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, the “P3Tips” app, or online at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com. By authority of: Sergeant Ryan Perez