Published on June 23, 2026
On June 16th, 2026, members of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) and Crime Reduction Team (CRT) executed multiple search warrants following an investigation into drug sales. The locations of the search warrants were as follows: 800 block of Grant St and 900 block of Princeton Ave. Both are within the City of Kalamazoo and were the result of the same investigation. The suspect of this investigation was contacted in the 800 block of Grant St and detained without incident. Following his arrest, the search warrants were executed at both residences. The investigation concluded with the seizure of the following: • ¾ pound of fentanyl • ¼ pound of crack cocaine • 1 ounce of cocaine • approximately 5 pounds of marijuana • evidence of drug manufacturing and distribution • large sum of US currency which is believed to be proceeds of drug sales The 49-year-old male suspect was arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail and will be facing multiple felony charges. A 2nd suspect, a 25-year-old female was also arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail and will be facing felony drug charges. A 3rd suspect, a 25-year-old male, was not arrested, however could face multiple felony charges pending a review by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office. The 49-year-old male suspect had been recently released from federal prison in 2025 on drug related offenses. He is currently on federal supervised release. On June 18th, 2026, both suspects were arraigned in the 8th district court. The 49-year-old male suspect, identified as Matthew Lipsey Jr, was issued a $100,000 cash or surety bond. The 25-year-old female suspect, identified as Letahzia Petty, was issued a $100,000 cash or surety bond. 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