The Kentwood Police is asking anyone with information on a Jan. 13 shooting in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue to contact the department or Silent Observer.
The Kentwood Police was dispatched to an apartment in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue for a subject who had been shot in the leg. Officers arrived on the scene and provided medical treatment for the victim along with the Kentwood Fire Department. The victim was transported to the hospital and the injury is not believed to be life threatening. The suspect is known to the victim and is not in custody.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-771-2345 or online at SilentObserver.org.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating two unrelated shootings that took place on Tuesday, Nov. 1 and providing some words of caution to residents.
The first incident took place at around 2:50 p.m in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive SW.
An 18-year-old male on a bicycle was struck by gunfire resulting in a fatal injury. The male was deceased at the scene. The victim of this shooting has been identified as Kane Allen Coronado of White Cloud.
A vehicle was seen leaving the area immediately after the shooting and was described as a light-colored sedan with an unknown number of occupants. The vehicle was last seen traveling east on Indian Mounds Drive.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. According to a statement from the department, the department is appealing to the public to provide information regarding this case. Anyone who was in the area of Indian Mounds Drive on Nov. 1 between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
Tips for those who are walking or riding
As a reminder to residents, Lt. Rory Allen, spokesperson for the department, said the department recommends that citizens take precautions when utilizing recreational areas such as bike paths and walking trails.
If possible, residents should not travel alone when walking, jogging, or bike riding. Residents should be aware of their surroundings and who is around them. They also should a phone with them to call for help or see anything that is suspicious or feels unsafe. Always call 911 in those incidents.
Shooting on Division Avenue
A 7:15 p.m. on the same day of Nov. 1, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a hold-up alarm at 3530 S. Division Ave. A short time later officers responded to a report that a 15-year-old male with a gunshot wound had been located near the business in questions.
The investigation indicates that the individual with the gunshot wound arrived at 3530 South Division Avenue with two other individuals. It is believed that they arrived in the Ford Fusion that was stolen out of Grand Rapids earlier in the evening.
According the police report, these three individuals were involved in, what was reported to police as, a take-over robbery attempt at that location. The three suspects entered the business with masks covering their faces and surrounded the employee. A fight between the three suspects and the employee broke out and the employee fired one shot from a handgun that he legally had on his person.
All three suspects fled the store after the shooting. The 15-year-old is believed to be the only one who was injured during this incident. He was located a short distance away from the business and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He is currently in serious condition. The other two robbery suspects fled the area on foot and have not been located yet. The stolen Ford Fusion was recovered at the scene.
Officers have clues to the other two suspects
Officers are still looking for the two other suspects. One is described as wearing a blue sweatshirt with a hood up, black sweatpants, and a mask covering his face. The second suspect is described as wearing a multi-colored zip-up sweatshirt with a red shirt underneath, black pants, and black shoes. Information located inside the recovered vehicle has provided leads regarding the suspects’ identities. These leads are being pursued by investigators. In the meantime, these individuals are encouraged to turn themselves in to the Wyoming Police.
Once this investigation is complete, the Kent County prosecutor’s office will review all of the circumstances in this case, including a review of the employee’s action in shooting the individual who was robbing his store.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
On Oct. 20 at approximately 1:19 p.m. the Kentwood Police Department was dispatched to 5768 Hickory Hill Court for a “shots” fired complaint. After talking with the caller, it was determined that a single subject remained inside the residence and no persons were harmed during the initial incident. Kentwood Police surrounded the home and began making contact with the suspect. Local schools were notified of the incident and went into lock down. Kentwood Police were able to make contact with the suspect, and he surrendered peacefully at around 5 p.m. No injuries were sustained during the incident for any of the involved parties.
Kentwood detectives will be working with the Kent County Prosecutors office to determine necessary charges. Kentwood Police Department also would like to thank the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and Wyoming Department of Public Safety for their assistance in coming to a peaceful resolution.
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.
On Sept. 13, 2022, Kentwood police officers responded to the 4500 block of Bowen Boulevard in the City of Kentwood on the report of a subject shot.
Officers arrived and located a 17-year-old male white a gunshot wound to the lower chest/abdomen area. The victim received medical treatment on scene and was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Numerous shell casings were located on scene and several vehicles/buildings were struck during this incident.
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.
Sept. 6, 2022 UPDATE: Wyoming Department of Public Safety obtained an arrest warrant for open murder on Yenly Garcia in relation to the homicide of Mollie Schmidt.
Yenly Garcia
Garcia’s location is still unknown at this time and detectives are still working to locate him.
Anyone with information as to Garcia’s locations is asked to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, 1-866-774-2345, or www.silentobserver.org.
On Aug. 31, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety announced it is conducting a homicide investigation in the 1500 block of 44th Street.
On Aug. 30, detectives from Wyoming Public safety and Kent County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant at an apartment belonging to Yenly Garcia and located a female deceased from a gunshot wound. The female has been identified as Mollie Schmidt who was reported missing to Kent County Sheriff’s Department last week.
Detectives are investing this case as a homicide and are pursuing all leads .Garcia is a person of interest in this case. Garcia is 44-years-old, 5-foot, 10 inches tall, 200 pounds with dark hair and distinct tattoos on his face. Garcia was last known to be driving a black 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup with a Michigan plate of ELW6780. Garcia’s current whereabouts are unknown. Garcia current has an active warrant out for his arrest on an unrelated charge.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345 or online at https://www.silentobserver.org.
Darriol Stephens has been missing since Dec. 11. (Supplied)
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety needs the public’s assistance in locating Darriol Stephens, a 66-year-old white male from Wyoming. Stephans has been missing since Dec. 11 when he was seen leaving his residence by his roommate. Stephens requires medical attention which he has not received and there is growing concern fo this safety.
Wyoming Police are also trying locate Stephens black 2012 Chevy Impala with Michigan registration DSG2228. The vehicle has tinted windows and is similar to the vehicle pictured.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety detectives have conducted an extensive investigation and have followed up on all leads, but the leads have reduced significantly. We are again reaching out to the public for their help in locating Stephens or his vehicle.
“We are hopeful that someone may have information that we have not yet received and that they will reach out to our team,” read a press release from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
Wyoming Police are also looking for Stephens’ black Chevy Impala which is similar to the one pictured above. (Supplied)
Anyone with information about Stephens may call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or 911. You can report information anonymously by calling Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking assistance in locating a witness to an assault and possible robbery that took place on Aug. 4.
On Aug. 4, at about 3:40 a.m., Wyoming Police officers responded to the 1000 block of Burton Street SW on a report of an injured person stemming from an assault. Officers located an unconscious 38-year-old male from Wyoming. The male was transported to a local hospital for emergency surgery for serve, life-threatening head trauma. According to an official statement from the department, police revealed there was a female witness to the crime.
Wyoming Police investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the female witness. She appears to be a white female with long dark hair. The attached photos of the witness were provided to the police from an area business and separate witness.
Anyone who could identify the female witness in the photos or who has information on this case is asked to contact the Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
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.
“I’ll give you some food,” said Elmer Geovany Lopez Toi as he hands a McDonald’s bag to two homeless men sitting on steps. “I like to help people.,” Toi said to the two men he met in August as he hands them money and more food.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is hoping that by releasing the five-minute video, found on Toi’s phone, residents will see Toi’s act of humility and kindness and it will encourage someone in the community to come forward and help solve his murder.
Toi, 20, along with Santos Padilla Banegas, 16, were shot Sept. 16. The two were both shot while walking along Division Avenue near Wilbur Street. The area is north of 44th Street. For an early release, police said they believe the vehicle involved in the shooting could be a dark-colored 2010-11 GMC Acadia.
Police said they believe the Acadia had multiple occupants and was last seen headed south on Jefferson Avenue from Wilbur Street. Officers arrived to find the Banegas and Toi near the road. Toi was pronounced dead at the scene and Banegas died later at Metro Health Hospital from his injuries.
Since then, the Wyoming Public Safety detectives have been working diligently to develop information and follow leads in the double homicide, according to a release from the department.
It was during the investigation, detectives discovered the video on Toi’s phone. According to detectives, the video does not appear to be directly relevant to the investigation, but by sharing the video the department hopes it “will serve as a reminder of the humanity and tragedy of this case.”
“We share this video with our community for two reasons,” said Capt. James Maguffee in a release to the media. “First, it seems right to share a story of a resident of the City of Wyoming, victimized in a horrible crime, engaged in an act of humility and kindness. We expect our community will be moved in the way we were when we saw this video. Second, these sorts of crimes are often solved, and justice served, when citizens with the right piece of information come forward.
According to police sources, Toi was an immigrant to the United States with no family in the area. Through the investigation, there has been no indication thus far that suggest either Banegas or Toi were involved in criminal acts or engaged in behavior that might have invited the violence inflicted on them.
Anyone with information about the case are encouraged to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7335 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. A donor has matched the initial cash reward and it now stands at $5,000.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking information regarding a homicide that took place Sunday, Jan. 19.
At approximately 10:35 p.m. on Jan. 19, members of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shots fired called in the 5000 block of Curtis Drive SW. Officers located a victim with a fatal gunshot wound near 5027 Curtis Drive SW. The victim was later identified as Wyoming resident Medardo David Ibuado, who was 23-years-old.
The relationship between the victim and the shooter or shooters is not known but preliminary information suggests that while the suspect or suspects are not in-custody, there is no specific threat or reason to believe there is any elevated danger to the general public, according the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
There is no suspect description available at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this homicide is asked to contact the Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or 911. They can also report information anonymously by calling Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
At approximately 11:30 pm on Nov. 3, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a commercial burglary alarm at Russell and Ballard Jewelers (5751 Byron Center Ave SW). The suspects had forced entry into the business and stole an undisclosed amount of jewelry before fleeing the store.
The suspects are described as two males with hoods pulled over their faces. We are working on obtaining video surveillance footage from the business and will release photos of the suspects as soon as they are available.
Community Action:
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
UPDATE: Relatives reported they have spoken to Tina Louise Glass, according to the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is asking for the assistance in locating Tina Louise Glass.
According to officers, investigators believe she is missing voluntarily but are concerned for her safety. Glass was last seen late night of July 4 or early on July 5. She is not know to have access to a vehicle. Glass is 45-years-old and 5 feet, 3 inches. It is not known what she was wearing.
Anyone with information are ask to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 866-774-2345.
UPDATED 6/28/2018: From the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Marilyn June Lukso has been located and she is safe.
Wyoming Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a woman not seen by family since Saturday, June 23.
Marilyn June Lukso is a 62 year old white female, 5’-4”, 130#, has gray hair and green eyes. We are not sure what clothing she might be wearing. She is believed to be driving a silver 2008 Chrysler 300, four-door with a Michigan plate of 2LGK18. She may not have access to important medication.
If you have any information as to her whereabouts, please call the Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer.
On Monday, Dec. 18, at approximately 5:40 p.m. the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a Hit and Run Personal Injury Crash at 54th and South Division Avenue. The Department has very limited information in regards to the crash. What is known at this time is that a 40-year-old female from Kentwood was walking east crossing South Division Avenue on the south side of 54th Street. The female pedestrian had the right of way at the light and a white vehicle was turning south bound onto Division struck her. The pedestrian was knocked to the ground and she believes that the vehicle continued south bound on Division Avenue. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with injuries.
According to department officials, this is the only information that officers have on the striking vehicle or any other circumstances surrounding this incident. The department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect vehicle and / or witnesses to please come forward with any information.
Wyoming Public Safety personnel continue with its investigation and ask the public’s assistance for information that may lead to the identification of the suspect/vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety is asking for help to identify this suspect who allegedly robbed the Clyde Park Foods.
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, at approximately 9:25 p.m. the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a robbery at Clyde Park Foods, 4227 Clyde Park Ave. SW. The employees reported that a male subject jumped the service counter and demanded money. The suspect is described as a black male, late 20’s, 5’9” – 5’11” with a medium build. The suspect was wearing a black mask which only revealed his eyes, black winter style hat, white gloves, a dark colored Pea Coat type jacket, and dark colored pants. The handgun that was seen is described as a black full-frame semi-automatic. An undisclosed amount of money was taken in the robbery.
It was reported that the suspect left west bound from the building. A K-9 track was attempted with negative results. The photos that are attached are from store security cameras. It should be noted that one photo (on the right) is from an outside surveillance camera and it washes out the color of the items described above. What it does show is the exact style of coat that the suspect was wearing. We are hoping that someone may recognize this coat.
Wyoming Public Safety personnel continue with their investigation and ask the public’s assistance for information that may lead to the identification of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Do you know a crime-fighting hero that works tirelessly in keeping our community or their neighborhood safe? If you do, Silent Observer is giving you the opportunity to nominate them for one of Silent Observer’s Community Heroes Awards. This event was created to recognize both law enforcement and civilians who have made significant contributions to safety and crime prevention. The nominee’s efforts should be directed within the boundaries of Kent County. Winners will be celebrated and recognized at Silent Observer’s First Annual Community Heroes Awards Luncheon on December 7, 2017.
Award Categories are:
Law Enforcement Bridge Builder Award
Building Stronger Neighborhoods Award
Making A Difference Community Award
Click here to download the Nomination Application for a description of each award category and for the award application. Deadline for nominations is October 20, 2017.
For more information, visit Silent Observer’s website here.
About Silent Observer:
Public Act 557 strengthens Silent Observer’s promise of anonymity to tipsters who call our tip line with information about crime. The law protects Silent Observer’s records from subpoena unless the information would clear a defendant of guilt. “The guarantee of anonymity is the most important element of Silent Observer and Crime Stoppers programs,” said Chris Cameron, Executive Director of Silent Observer. ” It is what makes our program a vital tool in obtaining leads to assist investigators in solving crime.”
Silent Observer will pay a reward of up to $1,000 if your tip leads to the arrest of an individual. The reward amount is based on the severity of the crime and how important the tip was to police. A reward is available for any serious crime solved with the help of a tip to Silent Observer. So if you have information about crime call the Silent Observer tip line at 616.774.2345.
Hearing him talk at a Silent Observer press conference Tuesday detailing four cold cases, you get the feeling that City of Wyoming police Lt. Mark Easterly, and the city’s detectives, take missing persons cases personally.
When discussing the case of Gerardo DeJesus Hipolito-Lopez, who went missing from a 28th Street bar nearly six years ago, Lt. Easterly did not call the missing person “Mr. Hipolito-Lopez”; instead repeatedly personalizing the man by calling him simply “Gerardo.”
“On November 20th, 2011, Gerardo had been drinking at a 28th Street bar with a family member,” Lt. Easterly said at the June 27 meeting at Silent Observer’s downtown Grand Rapids office. “When they exited the bar that night, their vehicle wouldn’t start. At that point, the family member he was with went to nearby home to get another vehicle. At that time, Gerardo was waiting at the bar, and when the family member returned, he was gone.”
And the Lieutenant also made clear why the Wyoming police department and other regional investigators are asking for the public’s help, for tips, for anything that can push a case forward.
“Hopefully with that one tip, it will lead to something else — that will lead to something else,” he said. “And, hopefully, we can bring some closure to this family. It is just heartbreaking to see a family waiting, three, four, five — in this case 6 years. … It is very important (to the family that the police are still investigating). It at least gives them the sense that, not relief, but at least we are still looking. This is not a cold case that just goes away. Our detectives are very invested in this process.”
Also at the Silent Observer event, the Grand Rapids Police Department and the Kent County Sheriff Department asked for the public’s help to either locate or determine why three other missing individuals went missing.
In addition to the case of Hipolito-Lopez, who was 56 years old when he disappeared, another case highlighted also had a Wyoming-area connection — the missing person case of Yvonne Renee Scott, who was 33 when she disappeared from 2900 block of Clyde Park Southwest in January 2004. The case is being investigated by the Kent County Sheriffs office.
Silent Observer is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the safe return of these missing people of, if a crime has been committed against them, the reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest of those involved in that crime.
“When the community is asked for help, in giving information, and help solve a crime, tips come pouring into the program,” Silent Observer Program Director Chris Cameron said. “We are hopeful we will receive some good leads from this initiative … tips to Silent Observer can help right the wrongs of others, and help the loved ones of those missing find answers, closure and possibly justice.”
Grand Rapids Chief of Police David Rahinksy also stressed the importance of the public’s assistance.
Grand Rapids Chief of Police David Rahinksy stressed the importance of the public’s assistance. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“People don’t just disappear,” Chief Rahinsky said. “These are four cases, four family members, you have the Kent County Sheriffs Office represented, Wyoming public safety and Grand Rapids police department. We have exhausted our ability to work these cases through traditional means. What we need is the public’s help. Somebody in the community knows what happened to these individuals. Regardless of how insignificant the information may be, it may be the piece that gives these families closure.”
To submit an anonymous tip to Silent Observer, call 616-774-2345 or toll free at 1-866-774-2345, or visit silentobserver.org. The City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety Detective Bureau can be reached at 616-530-7335.
UPDATE: The 21-year-old male driver in this crash has been identified, arrested and will be lodged at the Kent County Correctional Facility. The investigation continues so that the case can be brought to the Kent County Prosecutors Office for review.
On Tuesday, Jan. 10, at approximately 8:47 a.m., the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a serious vehicle traffic crash on 52nd Street just east of Byron Center Avenue SW, according to a police report. The crash occurred when a westbound vehicle driven by an unknown person struck Chelsea Crawford, 26, from Wyoming who was walking along the roadway. The vehicle then fled the scene.
Crawford was pronounced deceased at the scene by the medical examiner.
According to the police report, the striking vehicle is described as full-size Dodge Ram Pickup truck, red in color with a “V” plow on the front and scraper plow on the back. The vehicle a yellow light on the roof and had no discernible markings or writing on it.
Since the accident, investigators have been working diligently on all of the leads generated by the information on this case. This led to the impounding of the suspect vehicle last night in a parking lot located within the City of Wyoming. The vehicle is owned by a local landscape company and they are cooperating fully with the investigation.
“We again wish to thank members of the public who stepped up and gave up some very solid information that we were able to follow up on and assisted us in breaking the case to find the vehicle and suspect driver,” said Lt. Mark Easterly of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
“Our investigation continues and we ask that anyone with information to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616.530.7300 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.”
Truck believed to be involved with the October theft of a trailer owned by Koleaseco, Inc.
A reward is being offered for information about a 53-foot trailer that was stolen from from MC Sports Warehouse in Kentwood.
Kentwood police suspect the Wabash Reefer Trailer, which belonged to Koleaseco Inc., was stolen on Oct. 22 from the warehouse at 3070 Shaffer Ave. SE. The trailer was labeled with the company name and logo, along with a trailer number of L16030. It also had a Maine registration plate of 201526C.
Authorities have released photos of the vehicle suspected of taking the trailer, which is a blue Freightliner tractor with no visible license plate or decals.
Koleaseco Inc. is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the theft and the return of the trailer.
Anyone with information is requested to contact Silent Observer at 800-774-2345 or the Kentwood Police Detective Bureau at 616-698-6580.
A shooting around 3 am Saturday in the 1000 block of Chicago Drive in Wyoming has Wyoming police asking for the public’s help in finding the suspect described as a black male in his mid-20’s, 6 feet tall with a stocky build.
Wyoming police say the suspect and a 24-year-old Grand Rapids man got into a fight on a rented limousine bus, which pulled over because of the fight. Two to three shots were fired from a handgun, striking the victim in the hand. The suspect and all other passengers fled the bus.
The victim was found four blocks from the bus. Police say he tried to run from and fight officers who tried to help him. He and all witnesses provided vague details about the incident. The victim was taken to an area hospital.
If you have information, contact the Wyoming Police Department at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
At approximately 5:50 a.m. this morning, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety was called to an apartment in the 1400 block of 44th Street SW on a check the welfare call. On arrival, officers located a 31-year-old female victim from Grand Rapids who was deceased inside the apartment. Investigators determine her death to be a homicide.
A male suspect who was also located inside the apartment was taken into custody as investigators believe that he is responsible for the overnight death of the victim. The identity of the victim is not being released pending notification of family.
The suspect was lodged at the Kent County Correctional Facility pending formal charges from the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office. His identity is being withheld pending arraignment in court.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating two incidents – a shooting and a serious traffic accident – that took place over the weekend.
At around 10:43 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of shots being fired in the area of Francis and 36th Street SE. A second caller was able to give a description of the vehicle and reported seeding an occupant fire rounds toward a residence. Officers later confirmed that several rounds had been fired into an occupied residence in the 100 block of 36th Street SE.
While checking the area, an officer located a vehicle matching the suspect description. The officer attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle which had pulled into a driveway near the location of the initial shots being fired. At one point during the stop, the driver fled the scene by driving forward and through the backyard of the residence. The vehicle continued and, after crashing through a fence, was again located by an officer near 36th Street and Division. The driver refused to stop and eventually turned north on Jefferson Avenue from 36th Street. The officer observed the vehicle continuing at a high rate of speed across 32nd Street where it left the roadway, striking a tree near the 3100 block of Jefferson Avenue.
Two occupants were removed from the vehicle and the driver was extricated by Wyoming Fire personnel. All three occupants were taken to local hospitals where they were being treated for non-life threatening injuries. A loaded firearm was located in the vehicle. The incident remains under investigation.
In unrelated incident, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, to a vehicle traffic crash on South Division Avenue and Avonlea Street SW. The crash occurred when a south bound vehicle driven by a 31-year-old male from Wyoming hit a 24-year-old male from Wyoming. The driver of the vehicle and two other witnesses stated that the pedestrian stepped off the curb directly into the path of the vehicle without looking. The 24-year-old male, identified as Carlos Moncrief, was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
Wyoming Public Safety officers continue their investigations into both the crash and the shooting. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Wyoming Public Safety Department blocks off northbound Byron Center Avenue at 52nd Street.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues its investigation into a suspicious fire that happened over the weekend at a dental office on 28th Street.
The Public Safety Department responded around 7:50 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, to a report of a suspected arson at Destiny Dental, 1124 28th St. SW. Witnesses reported a white male in his 30s, stocky build, short dark hair, broke out the front door window and threw a Molotov cocktail inside.
The fire was extinguished quickly and caused minimal damage to the business. There was no structural damage reported. No injuries were reported as the business was closed at the time of the incident.
Witnesses stated that the white male suspect left the scene in a black Pontiac Grand Prix, with an unknown license plate.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety is asking that anyone with information about the incident or that will lead to the identification of the suspect and vehicle contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
The Wyoming Public Safety Department continues its investigation into the report of an armed robbery at the New Life Thrift Store, located at 4339 S. Division Ave.
Wyoming Public Safety officers responded to the robbery report at around 5 p.m. Sept. 12. Witnesses stated that a black male, in his 20s, skinny build, wearing black a baseball cap, black hoodie, black jeans and black shoes threatened an employee with a knife and demanded money.
No one was hurt in the robbery. The suspect did leave with an undisclosed amount of cash. K-9 officers tracked the suspect to the unit block of Murray SW where witnesses stated that the suspect got into a new model white Chrysler 300.
Wyoming Public Safety personnel are asking the public’s assistance for information that may lead to the identification of the suspect and vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyoming Public Safety Department at 616-530-7300 or to contact Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
UPDATE: Aug. 30, 2016 – The Wyoming Public Safety Department released a statement this morning that Tyrone Victor Hardin has been located.
The Wyoming Police are asking the public for assistance with locating a man who has not been seen by family in several days. Tyrone Victor Hardin is a 61-year-old black male who is 5 feet, 7 inches and weights 100 pounds. He has a goatee and walks with a cane. The family cites no medical condition but describes Hardin as “confused at times.” He may have been walking from a relative’s home on Adams St SE in Grand Rapids heading toward Wyoming on August 25.
Police are asking anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Tyrone Victor Harding to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
The City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety is continuing its investigation into several shots being fired early this morning in the 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW.
According to a release from the department, units were dispatched to 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW in reference to several shots being fired today at approximately 5 a.m. A victim was on scene and stated he had encountered three subjects breaking into a vehicle while he was driving down the street, according to the release. One of the suspects became confrontational. The victim began driving away and then heard the gunshots and bullets striking his vehicle. He drove to a nearby business and called police. Officers located several shell casings in front of this address.
Officers checked the area and found multiple vehicle larcenies in the area. Officers came across several people in front of an address in the 1800 block of Wyoming Ave. SW. According to officers, a female handed an officer a purse stating someone showed up and said it was stolen. Officers secured the residence and took several uncooperative subjects into custody. A search warrant was executed resulting in a handgun and several stolen items being recovered.
Several individuals aged 16-18 were interviewed. Charges are pending. Although a firearm was recovered, officers are attempting to find the actual shooter. If anyone has knowledge of this incident they are asked to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 616-530-7300, or Silent Observer, 1-866-774-2345.
A picture of the suspect of a recent larceny at Kelloggsville High School.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is asking for help in identifying a suspect involved in a recent larceny at Kelloggsville High School.
On July 5, officers responded to a report of the larceny at the school, located at 23 Jean St. SW. It is believed the incident took place sometime during the evening hours with the suspect being male and wearing a dark tank top and shorts. The suspect stole numerous hand tools and construction items from the school valued at more than a few thousand dollars.
Surveillance cameras were able to catch the suspect and the vehicle he left in.
Anyone with information about the larceny or the suspect are being asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues its investigation into the robbery of the Fifth Third Bank at 62 54th St. SW that took place yesterday, July 11.
Picture of the robbery suspect at the Fifth Third Bank on 54th Street.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of an armed robbery at the bank around 12:30 p.m. July 11. The suspect wore all dark clothing with a mask and green gloves and according to reports, had a handgun. Officers reported that no one was injured in the robbery.
After the robbery, the suspect was seen running west along 54th Street, jumping a fence and entering the Interurban Foot Trail.
The FBI also responded to the scene and is assisting in the investigation.
The Wyoming Pubic Safety is asking that anyone with information about the suspect or the robbery to contact its department at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
The Kentwood Police Department is looking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in a robbery that occurred in the Woodland Mall parking lot on May 12, 2016.
If you have any information regarding the person in the photos above, or regarding the incident, please contact Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6600.
UPDATED 6/28/2018: From the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Marilyn June Lukso has been located and she is safe.
The Kentwood Police Department is looking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in a robbery that occurred in the Woodland Mall parking lot on May 12, 2016.