Driver killed, passenger injured when gunfire strikes SUV in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO (WWJ) A driver was killed and a passenger injured when gunfire struck their SUV in Kalamazoo, police said.

According to a statement on Facebook , the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded to a shooting on Saturday (9/14) around 4:07 a.m., at Westnedge and Florence Street— about 2 miles from Western Michigan University. They said a white GMC, with four people inside, was struck by gunfire at that time as it turned onto Westnedge from Florence Street.

Investigators said the gunshots hit both the driver and a passenger. The driver was shot in the torso, while the passenger was shot in the leg. The victims drove themselves to a local hospital. The driver was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to police.

The injured passenger is listed in stable condition and is undergoing treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Police said they have no information about the suspect at this time.

“However, KDPS is following several leads and is confident that progress is being made in the investigation,” they said in a press release. “There is no indication of an immediate threat to the public…”

Investigators are also canvassing for evidence and interviewing witnesses, police said.

No information was released on the victim, including gender, name or age.

Anyone with information about the crime or any other criminal activity is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Division at (269) 337-8139. You can also provide anonymous information through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at (269) 343-2100, the “P3Tips” or online at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.