The Kentwood Police Department is providing the name of the suspect in this stabbing case as Jesse Solis III and confirming that the suspect is the father of the victim.
Jesse Solis III has been charged and arraigned on Assault with intent to do great bodily harm and Resist and Obstruct, with bond set at $25,000 10%.
Officers responded to a business in the 3000 block of Shaffer Ave. on Wednesday, April 10, and located a 20-year-old with a non life-threatening stab wound. The suspect, a 57-year-old male, was located walking nearby and was taken into custody.
The Kentwood Police Department does not believe there to be any immediate threat to the public at this time. The incident is currently being investigated.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
As 2023 drew to a close this last weekend, Wyoming first responders provided aid at three separate and emergency incidents.
Fatal accident leaves one dead
Wyoming Police Department investigate a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
One person is dead after a crash in the 2100 block of Clyde Park Avenue.
At approximately 7:55 p.m. on Dec. 28, 2023, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 2100 block of Clyde Park Avenue on a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, a 53-year-old male resident of the Grand Rapids area, died at the scene. Initial investigation indicates the pedestrian was standing in the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Clyde Park Avenue. The driver remained at the scene to speak with investigators.
At this time, alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in this incident.
The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units continue to investigate this crash. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530- 7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Structure fire
At approximately 5:45 am on Dec. 29, 2023, the Wyoming Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a duplex located in the 2900 block of Burlingame Avenue SW.
No injuries resulted from the garage fire (Supplied)
The first arriving fire units observed significant fire coming from the garage. The responding units were able to contain and extinguish the fire, working quickly so that the impact to the living spaces of the home was limited to minimal smoke and fire damage. There were no reported injuries to people or pets.
Tenants affected by this fire are currently receiving assistance from the Red Cross for temporary shelter, food, and other essential services while necessary repairs are made.
The Wyoming Fire Department commends the quick thinking and proactive response of a neighbor who reported the fire. Their alertness played a crucial role in enabling a swift and effective response. We would also like to thank the Grandville Fire Department along with the Georgetown Township Fire Department for their assistance on this fire.
This fire incident is currently being investigated by the Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Office. Anyone with additional information regarding is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Investigator at 616-257-9764.
Walmart shooting leaves two injured
Two are injured after a shooting inside Walmart store.
At approximately 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2023, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to Walmart (355 54th Street SW) on multiple reports of a shooting that occurred inside the business.
Wyoming Police Department responded swiftly to reports of multiple gunshots at Walmart store (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV Staff)
Officers located a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound inside the store. The female was treated at the scene and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
While investigating this incident, a male suffering from a gunshot wound arrived at an area hospital; this individual was found to be related to this incident. The suspect was armed with a handgun and described as an individual wearing a black parka-style coat with fur around the collar of the hood, a red sweatshirt, and dark pants.
A second person was seen with the suspect during this incident, this individual was wearing a black sweatshirt with white lettering across the chest, a black mask, and light-colored pants. Walmart was evacuated and will be closed for business while police investigate this incident.
It should be noted that this appeared to be a targeted attack toward the male; additionally, the female was found to be an innocent bystander struck by gunfire. Currently, there are no suspects related to this incident in police custody.
The Wyoming Police Investigative Division and Forensic Science Unit continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Community members gathered outside the 63rd District Court, 1950 E. Beltline NE., on the evening of Thursday, April 27, to honor and remember those killed by violent crime.
Many groups in attendance wore T-shirts and carried posters bearing the names of loved ones lost due to violence. Photos of victims were also displayed on dozens of placards surrounding the courthouse.
Speakers at the event included local law enforcement, victims’ rights advocates and community members who have been affected by crime. Grand Rapids resident Jerline Riley, who lost her son to homicide, prayed for peace and safety in the community. All were in agreement that the violence must stop.
“No more victims,” said Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker. “Too many families have gone through just absolute horror.”
More than 130 names of crime victims were read allowed at the community vigil, a bell tolling for each and every one. Several more names were added by people in attendance.
Families of victims were thanked by speakers for their continued determination to get justice for their loved ones. And reminded that efforts to keep the memory of victims’ alive make a real difference.
“I’m so inspired to see all of you once again standing up for your family,” said Becker. “Don’t let it end here today. Go out, be an advocate. Talk to your legislators, talk to your neighbors. Spread the word.”
This year Silent Observer marks 50 years of aiding police through anonymous tips. Silent Observer promises those wishing to report information on a serious crime can do so without having to reveal their identity. The organization promotes strong community responses to crime to ensure victims receive both respect and justice.
“It doesn’t matter what the crime is, there is always a victim associated with that crime,” said Chris Cameron, former Executive Director of Silent Observer. “Silent Observer’s mission is all about removing dangerous criminals from our streets and helping victims of crime see justice.”
Anyone who has witnessed a crime can submit tips anonymously by phone at 616-774-2345, or online.
When a victim steals a car to get away from human trafficking, should they be charged with theft? that is a question a bill in the state legislature would answer. (pxhere.com)
By Barbara Bellinger Capital News Service
LANSING — Police have made arrests this year for human trafficking in Oakland County and more recently in Mecosta County.
Yet legislation that would keep victims of human trafficking from being arrested, charged and jailed when they are coerced to commit crimes has not moved since legislative hearings were held in early March and the end of April.
“It’s discouraging to see the lack of progress for these bills thus far, and it’s my hope legislators will give them the priority they deserve,” Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote in an email to Capital News Service.
Michigan ranked in the top 10 states for human trafficking in 2019 with 364 cases, according to the Polaris Project, which operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. The Michigan Abolitionist Project, which works to end trafficking, estimates that the actual numbers are closer to 1,100-1,400 individuals.
A sting operation in Mecosta County in August resulted in arrests of six men who came to the area to have sex with children. They could serve up to four to 40 years in prison if convicted.
But at issue is when children and adult victims of human trafficking commit crimes as a result of being trafficked or when they try to escape. Some lawmakers hope to keep them out of jail.
“When a victim steals a car to get away from human trafficking, should they be charged with theft?” asked Rep. Graham Filler, R-DeWitt, and chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “These victims need more grace.”
Trafficking doesn’t exist only in the larger cities such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing, Filler said. “This happens in rural Michigan. Even in my hometown of DeWitt, it’s easy for (the traffickers) to hide people in those communities.”
The human trafficking package of 26 bills that sits in the House Judiciary Committee would strengthen existing laws to protect the victims of human trafficking who commit crimes because of their situation.
A bill sponsored by Rep. Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Township, would erase any crime committed by a human trafficking victim as a direct result of being trafficked. That applies only to crimes of prostitution now.
Another bill, sponsored by Filler, would give the victims the right to present evidence that the crimes they committed occurred because they were trafficked.
Another, sponsored by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian, would require the courts to stop moving forward cases where children commit a crime because they are human trafficking victims.
“Every child needs a champion,” Whiteford said in a Zoom interview. Whiteford said that the bills would provide just that to both juvenile and adult victims of human trafficking.
Hearings on the bills have been held in the Judiciary Committee, and Nessel testified about her strong support for the package and said victims of human trafficking needed encouragement to break the “cycle of silence.”
Whiteford said she is frustrated by the lack of action since then. The bills have taken a back seat in the past few months, she said. “The chair of the Judiciary Committee has other priorities.”
When asked about the hold up, Filler said that although the bills had broad support, concerns were raised at the most recent hearing that the laws as written would allow traffickers to force victims to commit multiple crimes knowing that they would get off.
Filler said he doesn’t want to give a free pass to all criminals. “I want to narrow them so they apply instead to real victims.” When asked whether this work has begun, Filler said his staff will review the issues.
Whiteford said the bills have enough flexibility already and should stand as proposed. “The bills give the judges the discretion to expunge on a case-by-case basis,” she said.
The Michigan Coalition to end Sexual and Domestic Violence welcomed the bills’ additional “safeguards to victims who have engaged in criminal activity in connection with their victimization.” The group pointed out that traffickers commonly coerce their victims to commit crimes as a method of control.
“No statistics exist for victims of human trafficking who have committed crimes because of their situation,” said Jane White, the executive director of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force at Michigan State University.
“Do we know that this exists?” White wrote in an email. “Absolutely. Survivors tell us this often. It’s part of what human trafficking is.”
Whiteford’s goal is to get the bills out of committee before the end of the year.
“People are exploited,” she said. “Children are exploited. The average age of the juvenile human trafficking victim is 15 years old. We should all look out for the children in our lives.”
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is looking for anyone with information about a Nov. 27 homicide to contact the department or Silent Observer.
According to a department press release, at a approximately 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 27, the Wyoming Department of Public safety responded to reports of gunshots fired and a person down on the sidewalk in the 900 block of Burton St. SW.
The initial investigation indicates that Grand Rapids resident Cynthia Jean McCoy was walking on the sidewalk when she was shot. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where she was pronounced deceased. After shooting the victim, the suspect fled the area on foot. The suspect is described as an unknown race male, 5 feet, 10 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches, wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and blue face mask.
Detectives continue to work to learn the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7366 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
