“Attending a high school prom should be a memorable event for all the right reasons,” said John Robben, Regional Director for Western Michigan from American Medical Response. “Talk to your teens and friends before prom night about making responsible choices and keeping their safety, and their peer’s safety, a top priority.”
American Medical Response offers these tips to keep in mind for a fun and safe prom:
Stay sober. Avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can impair your judgement and put you in danger.
Under no circumstances should high school prom attendees drink alcohol. But if you have consumed alcohol, hand your keys to a sober driver so you can get home safely.
Plan ahead. Make transportation arrangements in advance, whether it’s with a designated driver, a ride-sharing service, or another option.
Travel in groups. Stick with friends and avoid walking or driving alone.
Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious and report any concerning behavior to a trusted adult or authority figure.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the night to avoid dehydration.
Have a backup plan. In case of an emergency, make sure you have important phone numbers readily available.
Don’t let friends drive drunk. If one of your friends has had too much to drink, don’t let them get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help to find them a safe ride home.
American Medical Response is committed to helping the communities it serves stay safe and healthy. We encourage prom attendees to take the Prom Promise to prioritize safety and responsible behavior.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Residents can safely and anonymously bring expired, used prescriptions or over the counter medications to this free event for proper disposal.
Unused prescription drugs often find their way into the wrong hands, creating dangerous and often tragic situations.
The DEA encourages the public to clean out their medicine cabinets and remove unneeded medications from their homes. This can help prevent medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
One person is dead after a crash on 54th Street SW over US-131.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on April 14, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to 54th Street SW over US-131 on the report of a single-vehicle rollover crash. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
54th Street over US-131 will be closed in both directions while Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units 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.
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.
One person is in custody following a bank robbery that occurred at the Fifth Third Bank at 2828 Michael Ave SW.
At approximately 9 a.m. on March 22, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the Fifth Third Bank on Michael Avenue on the report of a bank robbery that just occurred.
A suspect entered the business and approached a teller. The suspect demanded money from the teller and implied he had a weapon. An undisclosed amount of cash was obtained by the suspect who then left the bank. As officers were searching the area for the suspect, an officer located a person matching the suspect description on 28th Street SW, between Buchanan Avenue SW and South Division Avenue. The suspect, a 65-year-old male, was taken into custody without incident and lodged at the Kent County Jail. The suspect’s identity is not being released pending arraignment.
In coordination with the FBI, Wyoming Police Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
One suspect is in police custody after Wyoming PD responds to home invasion on Woodlake Road SW (Courtesy photo)
By Wyoming Police Department
One person is in police custody after a home invasion that occurred early morning on March 9.
At approximately 4:45 a.m. on March 9, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 2600 block of Woodlake Road SW on the report of a home invasion that had just occurred. The resident of the apartment was able to safely exit the residence.
When officers arrived, they located the suspect still inside the victim’s apartment.
The suspect refused the officers’ commands to exit the apartment and barricaded himself inside. The Wyoming Police Tactical Arrest and Confrontation Team and Crisis Negotiators were called in to apprehend the barricaded individual. The suspect was taken into custody several hours later.
Wyoming Police Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The suspect was lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility; their name and charges are being withheld pending arraignment.
Anyone with information 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.
Wyoming PD responded to reports of a shooting on South Division Avenue (Courtesy, Phil Dolby at pxhere.com)
By Wyoming Police Department
UPDATE: One person is in police custody after a shooting at the Admiral gas station.
Wyoming Police have arrested a male suspect, a 20-year-old Wyoming resident, in connection with this shooting; the suspect’s name and charges are being withheld pending arraignment.
The victim, a 36-year-old male resident of Grand Rapids, is an employee of the business; he sustained severe injuries and is in critical condition.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Original media release
One person is injured after a shooting near the intersection of 32nd Street and South Division Avenue.
At approximately 5:40 p.m. on March 6, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the Admiral gas station, 3221 South Division Avenue, on the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
Suspect information is not being released at this time.
Wyoming Police Detectives and Forensic Services Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Pine Rest issues warning about fraudulent online ads (Courtesy photo)
People searching online for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services on their mobile devices are encountering fraudulent third-party organizations instead of the Pine Rest organization.
“Third-party organizations, using carefully crafted language to present themselves as affiliates of Pine Rest, appear near the top of search results and fraudulently claim they can assist individuals with placement in our services,” states a recent Pine Rest press release.
Attorney General Dana Nessel also issued a warning statement that the phone number found online may not actually connect them to Pine Rest.
“This appears to be a cruel scheme targeting those suffering from substance abuse disorder, striking treatment-seeking victims in a moment of courage, when they’ve finally sought professional help,” said Nessel.
Preying on the vulnerable
It is crucial to ensure those seeking help receive the correct care (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Pine Rest is a mental health care service provider for West Michigan. Located on the south side of Grand Rapids, Pine Rest is known for their variety of mental health services.
Susan Langeland, Vice President of Continuum Development and Chief Information Officer for Pine Rest, said the fraudulent ads are taking advantage of very vulnerable people in a moment of crisis.
“When people think about seeking care, they mull it over, it takes them many times to actually pick up that phone to call for treatment,” said Langeland. “So when they do, we want to make sure that we get them connected to the right treatment, not being sent out of state and potentially delaying care this person desperately needs.”
Legitimacy of ads
The fraudulent ads use carefully crafted words to appear like a legitimate health care organization. When someone searching for care calls the number provided, scammers identify themselves as a Pine Rest clinician or hospital admissions for an affiliate organization.
“None of that is true,” said Langeland. “We have our own admissions department right there at Pine Rest campus on the south side of Grand Rapids. They are all employed by Pine Rest. We don’t use brokerage or placement firms.”
Pine Rest does not use brokerage or placement firms (Courtesy photo)
Many patients have been diverted out of state for potential treatment. While the locations given are actual treatment facilities, that does not mean patients are receiving the care they need.
“What we hear back from some of these patients is that they are actual locations,” said Langeland. “But as to what their treatment is, and what that looks like, and how that quality of care is, I can’t speak to any of that. We don’t know anybody at any of the locations that our patients have brought back to us.”
Fraudulent scam impact
Langeland went on to say that Pine Rest has no way of knowing how many people have been impacted by these scams.
“We’re reliant on people to let us know,” Langeland said. “Some people reach out right away and say, ‘That was really weird interaction with you,’ and file a formal complaint. Others just go about their day-to-day, and we don’t know.”
Fear of judgment can stop people from coming forward with their scam experiences (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
The authorities and Attorney General are working with Pine Rest to gather information regarding the scam ads. However, some patients who issued complaints do not want to be part of the investigation due to fear of judgment.
“Unfortunately, we still have stigma,” said Langeland, adding that it is hard for some people to trust that the system is going to take care of the issue, and that there is no stigma attached.
The patients who have agreed to participate in the investigation do so because they don’t want anyone else to fall victim to the scams.
“Their experience was not one that they enjoyed, and they don’t want this to happen to anyone else in a moment when they are trying to seek help,” said Langeland.
How to avoid scam ads
Go directly to a company’s website instead of clicking on a sponsored ad (Courtesy photo)
When people seek substance use care in a moment of crisis, Langeland said, they are using their phones quickly, getting online and searching Pine Rest. “And these sponsored ads would come up that look like Pine Rest.”
In a moment of crisis, that person does not look for details on a sponsored ad to ensure it is legitimate. They simply click on the link that looks like it will lead them to the resources they need.
Pine Rest stresses the importance of going to an organization’s website, making sure you talk to someone from the organization, and being conscious of what information you are giving out over the phone so you are not taken advantage of.
Pine Rest is working with their legal team and law enforcement to figure out options regarding the scams.
Though Pine Rest has no control over sponsored ads, Langeland hopes authorities will find a way to restrict the scammers from claiming to be Pine Rest or affiliated with Pine Rest.
Pine Rest availability
Pine Rest does have openings for people seeking substance use and mental health services.
“When people say we don’t have any availability, that is not actually the case,” said Langeland.
Pine Rest does have availability and is ready to help those seeking care (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Pine Rest resources/contact information
All contact information for Pine Rest services can be found on their website.
Individuals seeking mental health and/or addiction services may also reach Pine Rest by phone:
FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE 24/7: 616-455-5000 or toll-free at 800-678-5500
FOR OUTPATIENT ASSISTANCE (Standard Business Hours): 866-852-4001
Evilynn, 15, disappeared on Dec. 31, 2023, from Grand Rapids, MI. One month has gone by since the teen was last seen and authorities believe that she may be in the Sturgis, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo or Battle Creek, Michigan areas.
Evilynn’s grandmother, Wendy Mohr, shared that this is the longest amount of time Evilynn has been away, and the family is deeply concerned for her safety.
(Courtesy, NCMEC)
She hopes that Evilynn will see this message and reach out:
“We love you and miss you so much. We just want to know that you are okay, and to bring you home safely. Your little brother needs you home too.”
Evilynn is described as 5’1″, weighs 125 lbs, and has blue eyes and blonde hair. She may be in need of medical attention.
Additionally, Evilynn is being featured on the Ring’s Neighbors app which has a partnership with NCMEC to increase awareness of missing children and bring them home. This feature reaches millions of users, providing real-time assistance in locating missing children.
If you have any information about Evilynn or her disappearance, please contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Kentwood Police Department (Michigan) at 1-616-698-6580.
At approximately 12:33 a.m. on Jan. 27, the Kentwood Police Department (KPD) responded to a parking area located in the 5900 block of Wing Avenue for a welfare check of a person.
Upon arrival, officers found a man deceased inside a vehicle. The man appeared to be the victim of a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The KPD has confirmed the identity of the victim as Martin Eduardo Martinez-Ramirez, a 20-year-old man from Grand Rapids.
Investigators are still actively working on this case. At this time, no arrests have been made and there are no other known victims.
No further information is being released at this time.
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.
Human trafficking is a crime of exploitation that preys on the vulnerable.
This form of crime and abuse claims victims without discrimination. Traffickers will look for vulnerabilities in those of any age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, immigration status, cultural background, religion, socio-economic class, and education level.
Millions are victims of trafficking, and many of those victims are children (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
With approximately 27.6 million victims worldwide at any given time, human traffickers profit at the expense of the victims by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex.
And the number of human trafficking incidents is rising.
“There’s definitely been an increase in the amount of [trafficking] incidents that have happened over the past several years,” said Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, WCS. “The big thing that’s coming into play is technology.
“A lot of individuals are experiencing their first grooming incidents online.”
However, many times predators are much closer to home than people realize – and they are targeting children.
Trafficking is highly relational
Traffickers create relationships with their victims first.
“They become friends with them online, or it may even be a loved one or family member – but they have some sort of connection with that client,” said Jackson.
The predator must first know the victim’s needs in order to offer a solution and make the perpetrator appear safe. Often the most susceptible and vulnerable are children.
One of Wedgwood’s Residential Homes (Courtesy, WCS)
“We typically see individuals getting into trafficking between ages 12 and 16,” said Jackson.
Nearly half of child trafficking cases worldwide involve family members, with family involvement in child exploitation almost four times higher than in cases of adult trafficking.
Because of this, children may not recognize themselves as victims.
Even if they do, fear can prevent children from seeking help. Those fears can come from fear of law enforcement, fear of returning to an abusive home, of being deported, or of harm befalling their loved ones. Victims may also feel a sense of guilt or shame that causes them to remain silent.
It is also important to understand that, though many traffickers are male, women can also be perpetrators. Some traffickers work in groups consisting of both men and women.
The common denominator
Lyrics to a song residents wrote together in music therapy (Courtesy, WCS)
Whether a child or an adult, vulnerability remains the common factor.
As the therapist for Wedgwood’s residential home that serves human trafficking victims ages 12-17, Jackson is no stranger to seeing that vulnerability firsthand.
“I’ve been in this position for four years, and every story is so unique,” said Jackson. “But the one thing always in common is that vulnerability.
“Every single one of my clients, when they talk about why they got into human trafficking, [say] they felt unloved, they felt vulnerable enough to allow anyone to give them that love and attention.”
A dysfunctional home life is one of the main catalysts for involvement in human trafficking.
“Maybe they’re running away from home, or they’re displaying images or messages online suggesting that they’re not happy at home,” said Jackson. “They’re looking to try to fill that void of the relationship they don’t have with their parents with anyone out there willing to give it to them.”
How can we stop the cycle?
Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) is dedicated to preventing human trafficking by bringing awareness to the community and urging people to educate themselves on the dangers and signs of human trafficking.
Prevention of human trafficking, Jackson believes, begins in the home.
“It first starts with having, and modeling, positive relationships in the home,” said Jackson. “A lot of times when we see youth seek out that negative attention, it’s because they’re looking to fill that void they’re not getting in the home.”
WCS residents participating in a “Let Go, Let God” activity (Courtesy, WCS)
Creating a safe space at home for children to give voice to their feelings is crucial.
Having open conversations with children about warning signs they should look for online is also essential.
Jackson urges parents to be aware of current street language, their children’s social media use, and who their children talk to.
Red flags to watch for can include changes in a youth’s personal hygiene, the amount of cash they have on them, and evidence of sexual activity.
Educate, educate, educate
Continual education regarding human trafficking is encouraged.
“This is a topic that continues to grow, and there’s more information on it all the time,” Jackson said.
Tip sheets provided by WCS can help with that education and understanding:
Human traffickers prey on vulnerability – bringing them closer to home than most people realize.
Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) is dedicated to preventing human trafficking by bringing awareness to the community and urging people to educate themselves on the dangers and signs of human trafficking.
Part of that education is recognizing the myths and truths surrounding human trafficking.
Not like the movies
Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, Wedgwood Christian Services (Courtesy, WCS)
“One of the biggest myths that I see is that all human trafficking involves crossing of state lines,” said Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, WCS. “A lot of times human trafficking is local, the community trafficking them within the city the individual lives in.”
Trafficking is not like movies often portray, with an individual smuggled or kidnapped by a stranger.
“A lot of times, an individual is groomed into willingly going into a relationship, but then they are manipulated to stay with physical tactics later on,” said Jackson.
Traffickers create relationships with their victims first.
“They become friends with them online, or it may even be a loved one or family member – but they have some sort of connection with that client.”
Jackson went on to say that the predator has to know about the victim’s needs in order to offer a solution, making the perpetrator appear safe. The predator then isolates the victim, causing the victim to feel that only the perpetrator can meet their needs.
“That’s how they get those clients to stay for so long,” Jackson said.
The bottom line?
“A perpetrator is looking for someone who’s vulnerable,” said Jackson.
As the therapist for Wedgwood’s residential home that serves human trafficking victims ages 12-17, Jackson is no stranger to seeing that vulnerability firsthand.
Predators look for vulnerabilities to exploit (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I’ve been in this position for four years, and every story is so unique,” said Jackson. “But the one thing always in common is that vulnerability.
“Every single one of my clients, when they talk about why they got into human trafficking, [say] they felt unloved, they felt vulnerable enough to allow anyone to give them that love and attention.”
Many times, that vulnerability is found in younger children.
“Frequently their first experience with someone grooming them or attempting to get them into the life of human trafficking, it’s very young,” said Jackson. “We typically see individuals getting into trafficking between ages 12 and 16.”
A perpetrator is looking to provide them with something they can’t provide themselves. An older individual who has maintained employment, housing, or a stable relationship doesn’t have enough vulnerabilities for the trafficker to easily sustain.
A dysfunctional home life is one of the main catalysts for involvement in human trafficking.
“Maybe they’re running away from home, or they’re displaying images or messages online suggesting that they’re not happy at home,” said Jackson. “They’re looking to try to fill that void of the relationship they don’t have with their parents with anyone out there willing to give it to them.
Predators look for ways they can provide what victims feel they lack (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“[Predators] look for an individual who has some of those adverse childhood experiences, those traumas, and those vulnerabilities to feed off of.”
Once that relationship is built, the predator begins to abuse their power by making that client do sexual favors for them. That client often feels like they have to stay with them because their needs have been met by that perpetrator for so long, they don’t know how they will have shelter or food if they leave.
Fear of that perpetrator going after the victim’s parents, or doubt that their parents will believe them, can also cause the victim to stay.
Human trafficking on the rise
“There’s definitely been an increase in the amount of [trafficking] incidents that have happened over the past several years,” said Jackson. “The big thing that’s coming into play is technology.
“A lot of individuals are experiencing their first grooming incidents online. Displaying vulnerabilities on social media, having someone reach out to them, asking them to build that relationship…that may turn into human trafficking later.”
Not all chains trapping a victim are physical (Courtesy photo)
Jackson went on to say that a growing awareness of human trafficking has also caused an increase in incidents.
The knowledge that there is such a thing as receiving money, clothing, or shelter in exchange for services has caused victims to willingly enter trafficking situations while on the run from their family.
Psychological chains
Though many victims are physically locked down and unable to leave their situation, many times the chains are psychological.
“That is a myth in itself, that sometimes these victims physically are unable to leave, like they are chained up or behind locked doors,” said Jackson. “With a lot of my clients, they are forced to be in hotel rooms where they could walk out, but they’re fearful of what might happen [if they leave].
“Although the door isn’t physically locked, they have emotional chains on them.”
Trafficking stereotype
Though many people think traffickers are male, Jackson said that it is important to realize that women can also be perpetrators. Some traffickers work in groups consisting of both men and women.
“A lot of times we actually see women being the trafficker because they know that another woman would build trust with [the victim] easier than a male would,” said Jackson.
Stopping the cycle
Open conversations and a safe home environment are important (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Prevention of human trafficking, Jackson believes, begins in the home.
“It first starts with having, and modeling, positive relationships in the home,” said Jackson. “A lot of times when we see youth seek out that negative attention, it’s because they’re looking to fill that void they’re not getting in the home.”
Creating a safe space at home for children to give voice to their feelings is crucial.
Having open conversations with children about warning signs they should look for online is also essential.
“A lot of times when clients come to us, they have a lack of education growing up,” said Jackson. “So when they get trafficked, they don’t necessarily know what they are getting into.
“They really thought they were getting into a safe relationship, but no one ever taught them what to look for, what is healthy and unhealthy, and those dos and don’ts when talking to someone online or in the community.”
Jackson urges parents to be aware of current street language, their children’s social media use, and who their children talk to.
Educate yourself and others to help prevent this crime (Courtesy photo)
Red flags to watch for can include changes in a youth’s personal hygiene, the amount of cash they have on them, and evidence of sexual activity.
Continual education regarding human trafficking is encouraged.
“This is a topic that continues to grow, and there’s more information on it all the time,” Jackson said.
Two are in police custody after a shooting on Dec. 31, 2023 inside of Walmart.
Since the night of this incident, investigators have worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. As a result of their efforts, Camrin Carpenter and Latrell Young have been charged and arrested in relation to this shooting.
Carpenter is charged with Assault with Intent to Murder and Armed Robbery, as well as two additional felony charges. Young is charged with Assault with Intent to Murder, Discharge of a Weapon Inside of a Building Causing Serious Impairment, and three other felony charges.
Both were arraigned at the 62-A District Court on Jan. 8, 2024.
The injured victims are expected to recover from 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.
Suspects were arraigned at the 62-A District Court (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Previous media release from Dec. 31, 2023:
Two are injured after a shooting inside a 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.
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
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.
Even legitimate websites can be impersonated as part of a scammer’s scheme (Courtesy, U.S. Army)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
The online culture has opened doors for scam artists (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
In a culture revolving around online and media consumption, local law enforcement and government agencies are working to educate consumers on current scams and how to protect themselves from becoming victims.
Katie Grevious, Better Business Bureau Communications Specialist, told WKTV that falling victim to a scam has become more difficult to avoid as “scammers are becoming more crafty and creative.”
Grevious said that scammers use fear and a sense of urgency to prompt consumers into following their directives: “It is an emotional situation. Something is wrong, something bad is going to happen — that’s what gets people.”
Due to the number of consumers who now shop online, there are ample opportunities for scam artists to create situations involving that emotional response of fear and urgency.
An online society
QR codes boomed in 2020 as consumers needed quick and easy ways to function without physical contact during the pandemic.
QR codes can be used in a multitude of ways (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Now, in 2023, QR codes seem to be everywhere.
“About 94 million U.S. consumers will use smartphone or QR scanners this year,” said a projection by eMarketer. “That number will grow to 102.6 million by 2026.
Access to menus at restaurants, payment for public parking, boarding a flight, or gaining access to a concert or sporting event are only a few ways QR codes are used. With countless other ways to use these codes, scammers have begun hiding harmful links within QR codes to steal personal information.
QR codes are convenient, but can be utilized by con artists (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
These scam links can take you to a site that looks real but is not, allowing scammers to steal information as you log in, or install malware that steals your information.
Covering up QR codes on parking meters with a custom made QR code is another way scammers con the average consumer.
Texting or emailing a QR code with a reason you should scan it is another. These texts and emails create the sense of urgency mentioned above as they:
Say they could not deliver a package and need you to contact them to reschedule.
Ask you to confirm personal information because there is a problem with your account.
Say there is suspicious activity on your account and you need to change your password via the attached QR code.
What you can do
Inspect URLs before you open them. If it is one you think you recognize, double-check there are no misspellings or switched letters.
If you think the message is legitimate, use a phone number or website you know is sound to contact the company as opposed to using the QR code.
Update phone operating systems to protect against hackers, and use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to protect online accounts.
Preying on gift card buyers
Look for signs of tampering before purchasing gift cards (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Copying gift card numbers and their activation codes from where they are kept in stores is a common and simple method of thievery. Once that gift card is bought and activated by an unsuspecting consumer, the fraudster is able to use that card for purchases.
Purchasing gift cards that are kept near checkout lanes where they are more easily seen, and ensuring the cardboard surrounding the gift card has not been tampered with in any way, are ways to protect against this.
Gift cards are used by scammers in a number of other ways as well. Information regarding these scams can be found here.
Porch pirates, phishing, and more
“Phishing emails and phishing texts are still high on the radar,” Keith Morgan, President and CEO of Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, told WKTV.
Phishing, defined as the fraudulent practice of sending messages designed to trick individuals into revealing personal information, is one of the most common conduits for fraud.
Grevious urges consumers to avoid emails that tell you to re-log into another account you may have, and offer a link to do so. Social media site names are regularly utilized for this scam, and are often ploys that will reveal your password to the sender.
Gaining access to one account can possibly grant scammers access to more (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Your Facebook password may offer a clue on how to get into more important accounts — like bank accounts,” said Grevious.
“People have a lot of similar passwords because it’s too hard to remember 200 different passwords to everything.”
An online scam could also be as simple as clicking on a link to track an order. Scam artists often use the names of larger corporations to send emails offering a link to track an order the consumer may not remember placing.
Grevious urges consumers to hover their computer mouse over the link, which will reveal a bar that states where it will actually take you. Hovering over the sender’s name to see the email address associated with that email is also a good idea. If it is a jumble of letters and numbers, it is not legitimate.
Also look at the browser — if there is a lock symbol and “https” listed there, it means it is a secure and authentic site.
“It is really important that people are vigilant all the time,” said Grevious. “Look for simple grammar and spelling mistakes. Big companies make sure everything is spelled correctly.”
Fraud can be in many forms, online and off (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Fake deliveries are another popular scam.
“If someone says they dropped something off, or was sent to the wrong place, and want to confirm that it was sent to the right place [is a red flag],” said Morgan, adding that they will then try to get you to enter personal information.
Porch pirate thefts are a non internet-based scam that involves stealing delivered packages off residential and business porches.
Cameras at the front of the house or business can protect against thefts. Another option is to have packages delivered to a safe and secure place as opposed to the porch.
“Sometimes homeowners will have packages delivered to the side of the house if they are not going to be there,” said Morgan. “Some organizations with delivery services will allow you to have it delivered while you are at home so you know it gets there.”
Eliminate hurry, double-check sources
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Slowing down is also key to ensuring consumers don’t miss something important.
“Think before you act,” Grevious said. “Our culture has a quick-go pace. We do a lot on our phones, so we don’t do that double-checking and hovering. “You are in control of your information and who you are talking to. Think before you act.”
Consumers are also urged to speak up if they become victims of a scam.
“The more people let us know what is happening, the more we can help,” said Grevious.
At approximately 9:20 a.m. on Nov. 10, police personnel from the Wyoming Police Department responded to 982 Lee Street SW (Godfrey-Lee Schools East Lee Campus) on the report of school staff locating a firearm in a student’s backpack.
The 15-year-old Godfrey-Lee student was taken into police custody without incident.
Godfrey-Lee’s school staff were able to safely locate this weapon by following word-of-mouth rumors that someone had brought a firearm into their school. The Godfrey-Lee school faculty’s commitment to the safety of their students is unwavering and truly exemplified by their diligence in following up on this matter.
This incident will be presented to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for a review of appropriate charges.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Wyoming Police seek assistance from the public in providing any information regarding the shooting death of Kane Coronado.
On November 1st, 2022, Kane Coronado was shot and killed while riding his bicycle in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive Southwest.
In the year that has followed, investigators have followed up on numerous tips and leads for this case. Despite investigators’ best efforts, this case remains unsolved.
The suspect in this case was described as a white male who is approximately 30 years old and has a medium build. At the time of this incident, he was described as having a thin, “scruffy” beard and sunken cheeks.
A stock photo of the suspect’s vehicle (Courtesy, WPD)
This individual fled the scene, driving northeast on Indian Mounds Drive in a 2000 to 2005 gray or silver sedan, similar to a Chevrolet Cavalier. It should be noted that the suspect may no longer be driving this vehicle.
Wyoming Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Silent Observer is offering a $5000 reward for tips resulting in the suspect’s arrest.
A press conference will be held Nov. 1 in hopes of gaining additional information on 2022 homicide (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Wyoming Police Department
deborah@wktv.org
Wyoming Police detectives are seeking additional information regarding Kane Coronado’s homicide that occurred on Nov. 1, 2022.
A press conference will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 at the Wyoming Police Department.
Wyoming Police Department detectives will provide updates and seek more information regarding Kane Coronado’s homicide along Indian Mounds Drive in 2022.
A representative from Silent Observer will also participate and provide information about a reward and how to submit tips anonymously.
New care seat safety legislation developed by State Representatives John Fitzgerald (District 83) and Carrie Rheingans (District 47) works to increase child safety and educate caregivers.
On Sept. 27, bills titled HB 4511 and HB 4512 passed through the Michigan House of Representatives.
In a recent interview with WKTV Journal, Rep. Fitzgerald said these companion bills are “intended to work together to make sure that we not only have the law, but also the enforcement mechanism by which we can hold drivers, and parents, and guardians, and caregivers accountable to make sure children are traveling safely here in the state of Michigan.”
Constructed by Rep. Rheingans, HB 4511 builds a framework ensuring children are in properly fitting car seats. Enforcement guidelines and educational components are introduced by Fitzgerald in HB 4512.
Education vs. Punishment
Rep. John Fitzgerald is focused on saving children’s lives and educating caregivers. (Courtesy, Supplied)
“There is a lot that goes into safe travel, and now what we see is that there will be an educational component to this bill,” said Fitzgerald.
Previous Michigan law did not match federal law or manufacturer standards, creating confusion among parents and caregivers. This new legislation will provide one consistent message, eliminating that uncertainty.
A common area of confusion revolves around the age of a child versus height and weight. The most important factor in an accident is height and weight, not age.
“That’s where physics comes into play,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to make sure children are in the right position, meaning forward-facing or rear-facing, and that they are using the correct belts.”
Primary vs. Secondary enforcement mechanisms
An enforcement structure has been put into place with this new legislation. The legislation only allows police officers to check a child safety seat in a vehicle already pulled over for primary traffic violations such as speeding or broken taillights.
Fitzgerald tells Deborah Reed, WKTV Managing Editor, and our viewers that “The goal is to save lives, not punish caregivers.”(WKTV)
If a child is not in a proper car seat or position upon inspection, the caregiver can then be assigned a civil infraction fee. However, that fee can now be waived if the caregiver acquires the right seat and education provided by a car seat safety professional.
“We are not trying to punish someone for having the wrong information or the wrong seat,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to help you. We want to help guide you along this journey as your child ages.
“The most important part of that is getting educated on why the right seat was needed, and how that is going to help your child travel safely now.”
Strong bipartisan support
Rep. John Fitzgerald has seen strong bipartisan support for these bills. (WKTV)
Many voices were taken into consideration during the process of the new legislation. Firefighters, police officers, professionals versed in medicine, and community members were all consulted while developing bills 4511 and 4512.
“When you craft this legislation, you are taking into consideration expert testimony, expert input on the bill, and also those of your community,” said Fitzgerald.
“We saw strong bipartisan support on both of these bills in the House of Representatives,” Fitzgerald continued. “That was a great first test of the bills and whether or not we thought that this was something that could be deployed throughout the state and made law.”
As the bills move into the Senate, Fitzgerald is confident they will continue to see bipartisan support.
A theme of safety
Driver, public and traffic safety are of high importance to the legislature in Lansing.
Fitzgerald noted that recent legislation “has really pushed Michigan forward to consider good traffic safety laws that, I think, are responding to the twenty-first century nature of technology and driver safety.”
Michigan legislature is looking to increase traffic safety in all areas (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Among that legislation is the new Michigan hands-free law that took effect on June 30, 2023.
“This isn’t really new,” said Fitzgerald, stating that other states have had a hands-free law in effect for some time. “But it is something to cut down on distracted driver accidents.”
Michigan legislators are also looking to use traffic enforcement cameras throughout the state for the first time.
The House recently passed a law allowing for use of traffic enforcement cameras in work safety zones.
That law, however, includes specific qualifiers. Barriers between traffic and workers and a speed of 10 miles per hour over the posted limit are required in order to cite a violation.
Fitzgerald is currently developing another bill allowing for that same enforcement in school zones.
Contact your representative
Rep. Fitzgerald has standing drop-in hours at City Hall in Wyoming for those wishing to speak with him in person. Those hours are 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
One person is dead and three injured after a crash in the 1700 block of Chicago Drive SW.
At approximately 7:20 a.m. on Oct. 23, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 1700 block of Chicago Dr. SW on a report of a head-on collision. Upon arrival officers located multiple subjects with injuries. Initial investigation indicates both vehicles were traveling on Chicago Drive, one eastbound and the other westbound.
The eastbound driver, a 43-year-old male from the City of Wyoming, died as a result of injuries sustained from the crash. Three occupants of the westbound vehicle were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units 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.
Processed medications will be transported to Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility and incinerated (Courtesy Photo)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue by participating in the semiannual “Drug Take Back Day” event Oct. 28.
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Days are designed to make communities safer and healthier by providing a way to turn in unneeded medications, removing them from potential harm. This reduces drug addiction, overdoses, overdose deaths, and drug-related violence.
Millions of Americans misuse controlled prescription drugs (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Drug Take Back Day events are a joint effort between DEA, law enforcement, wastewater treatment facilities and government agencies to provide residents with safe, convenient access to proper medicine disposal.
“Medications collected in West Michigan are transported to Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility, where they are incinerated,” the City of Wyoming website states.
In 2009, the City of Wyoming Clean Water Plant developed a new initiative called WyMeds designed to reduce the amount of medicinal waste from entering the wastewater system and our environment. The overwhelming success of this program led to its adoption by Kent County in 2010.
Now known as West Michigan Take Back Meds, the program serves the entire Kent County area as well as parts of Muskegon, Ottawa, and Allegan Counties.
Year Round Safe Medication Drop-Off
Drop off your unused medication all year round at one of these SafeMeds drop-off locations:
Wyoming Public Safety (2300 De Hoop Avenue) Takes: Controlled and non-controlled substances Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CVS Pharmacy (5603 Byron Center SW) Takes: Controlled and non-controlled substances (No syringes, no inhalers) Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Meijer Pharmacy (5500 Clyde Park SW) Takes: Controlled and non-controlled substances (No syringes, no inhalers, no liquids) Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
“The Best Me Is Drug Free” writing contest is open to all West Michigan 7th-12th grade students (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Submissions for the writing contest will be accepted until Oct. 23 (Courtesy: pxhere.com)
“The Best Me Is Drug Free” is the theme for the student-led Teen CHARGE program’s writing contest currently underway – and that is still accepting submissions.
Wedgwood Christian Services’ Teen CHARGE program is celebrating Red Ribbon Week (RRW) with a writing contest that focuses on drug abuse awareness and living drug-free lives.
All 7th-12th grade West Michigan students are invited to submit an original written work to the contest. Submissions can be in the form of a poem, story, song, rap, essay or personal narrative that relates to the theme “The Best Me Is Drug Free.”
Submissions can be emailed to teencharge@wedgwood.org, and will be accepted until Oct. 23. Winners will win gift cards and will have the chance to have their piece published on the Teen CHARGE website if they so choose.
“Every year we try to do things to recognize Red Ribbon Week,” said Gina Boscarino, Wedgwood Christian Services Group Specialist. “I wanted to do something they would be excited about, and I have a lot of students who enjoy writing, specifically creative writing.”
Raising awareness, making a difference
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program (Courtesy: h9images, Freepik.com)
RRW is an annual, nationwide drug abuse awareness campaign that takes place during the last week of October. The campaign began after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was brutally murdered in 1985 by a Mexican drug cartel.
Camarena was known to say, “I’m only one person but I want to make a difference.”
The RRW celebration was created in 1988 by the National Family Partnership (NFP) to honor and acknowledge Camarena’s sacrifice by recognizing the harmful effects of drugs on our communities and making commitments to live a drug-free lifestyle.
Authentic and true
Boscarino says many of the written RRW submissions received to date have been “very powerful.”
Many students pledge to live drug-free lives during Red Ribbon Week (Courtesy: storyset, Freepik.com)
“Some of them are talking about why they are not going to do [drugs], or why they don’t feel the need to do drugs or alcohol,” said Boscarino. “And the other half is looking at it from the other perspective, showing the dangers of it [and] how a person loses themselves once they become addicted to something.”
“We are looking for [pieces] that are authentic and true,” Boscarino explained, adding that students do not have to have a personal experience with drugs in order to create a powerful and authentic written work.
Though this is the first year having a writing contest for RRW, Boscarino says they will definitely be doing it again.
“I think one of the great things about writing is that it is a confidence builder for a lot of people,” said Boscarino.
Blog submissions always welcome
Teen CHARGE promotes creativity and accepts blog submissions regularly (Courtesy: pxhere.com)
In fact, students interested in writing are encouraged to submit to the Teen CHARGE blog at any time.
“If kids are interested in writing, we are always taking submissions for the blog even if they’re not a specific Teen CHARGE brand representative,” said Boscarino. “We just really want to promote creativity and making healthy decisions.”
To find out more about Wedgwood Christian Services, visit wedgwood.org. To learn more about Teen CHARGE, visit teencharge.org.
Wyoming Police are looking for information that will help locate Anthony Scott Adrianse (Courtesy, Wyoming PD)
By Wyoming Police Department
deborah@wktv.org
UPDATE: Anthony Adrianse’s well-being was verified by Wyoming Police Investigators on October 11, 2023, he is no longer considered a missing person.
The Wyoming Police Department is asking for assistance in locating 36-year-old Anthony Scott Adrianse.
Anthony was last seen leaving his residence near Burton Street and Burlingame Avenue SW in the City of Wyoming on Sept. 22, 2023, at approximately 6:30 PM. He left in a Gray 2013 Honda Accord 4-door bearing Michigan registration EJH3217 and has not been heard from or seen since.
Anthony is a white male, approximately 6’ 0” tall and 200 pounds. He has dark brown hair which is long and usually in a ponytail.
Wyoming Police detectives continue to investigate this incident.
Attached are photos of Anthony and a stock image of the vehicle he was last known to be driving.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
The Wyoming Police Department responded to reports of a shooting that left one Grand Rapids male hospitalized (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
By Wyoming Police Department
deborah@wktv.org
One person is injured after a shooting near the intersection of Marquette Street and Nagel Avenue SW.
At approximately 7:55 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2023, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the area of Marquette Street and Nagel Avenue SW on the report of a large fight. When officers arrived, they learned that a 24-year-old male Grand Rapids resident sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The male was transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
Wyoming Police detectives and Forensic Services Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
The Wyoming Police Department prepare to educate the community on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving with a new driving simulator (Courtesy, WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
A significant increase in traffic violations, crashes, and fatal traffic crashes in Wyoming prompts the Wyoming Police Department to acquire a new driving simulator to educate young drivers.
Through a generous donation made by General Motors, the Wyoming PD recently took possession of a distracted and impaired driving simulator to educate young drivers on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.
Educating the community
A volunteer tries the simulator under the instruction of a WPD officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“The goal of the simulator is to let young drivers – any driver – get into it and see what those dangers are,” said Captain Eric Wiler of the Wyoming Police Department. “At the same time hopefully reducing some of our crashes, reducing our fatal crashes, and making our community more safe.”
Wiler added that the Wyoming PD has made it their goal to reduce the number of crashes they have recently seen.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 3,000 people die each year in crashes involving distracted drivers, and approximately 11,000 people die each year in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
Among distracted driving crashes, a higher percentage of drivers between the ages of 15-20 were distracted than those drivers over the age of 21.
A survey conducted by the CDC found that 4 in 10 high school drivers reported that they had texted and/or emailed while driving at least once in the previous 30 days. Another CDC study showed that 5% of high school students surveyed reported that they drove after drinking alcohol within the previous 30 days.
General Motors partnership with Wyoming PD
The idea of a distracted driving simulator is appealing to the Wyoming PD because of the ability to transport it to schools and community events. They also like that it is a way to interact with younger drivers.
General Motors provided an opportunity for volunteers to experience the new simulator at their Grand Rapids operations plant (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We’ve had a partnership with GM for several years where they give us a generous donation for traffic safety,” said Wiler. “This year, we were trying to think of something that we could interact more with the community, especially young drivers in our community, because distracted driving seems to be focused more around the younger drivers. They just don’t understand a lot of the dangers that are associated with it.
“They can look, touch, feel, have it be more interactive than just a classroom environment,” Wiler continued.
How the simulator works
The driving simulator engages two cell phones – an instructor cell phone and a student cell phone.
“As the student starts the driving simulation, the instructor can send them text messages,” said Wiler.
The messages can be pre-populated or freeform text messages.
There is also a component that allows simulation of impaired driving. Goggles worn by the simulator driver mimic being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The importance of removing distractions
Wyoming City Manager John Shay tries out Wyoming PD’s new distracted and impaired driving simulator (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
With the combination of the simulator and the hands-free law that went into effect June 30th, Wiler hopes people will see “why it’s such an important law, and why it’s so important that we put down our phones, [and] limit the distractions we have in the car.
“There is research that shows that when we are distracted, we don’t see 50% of what’s out in front of us,” Wiler continued. “Even if it’s a cell phone, looking down at your navigation, looking at your radio – anything you’re doing that is distracting is reducing what you are seeing out in front of you, which increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash.”
The Wyoming Police Department will use the driving simulator during school and community events, such as National Night Out, Metro Cruise, Concerts in the Park, and Police in the Parks.
“I am hoping it will have a really strong impact,” said Wiler.
Wyoming Police Department (Courtesy, Deborah Reed, WKTV Staff)
By WKTV Staff
Contents provided by Wyoming Police Department
Wyoming Police arrested three individuals for carrying a concealed weapon in 12 hours resulting in the seizure of four handguns and narcotics.
At approximately 12 p.m. on Aug. 15, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to the 5500 block of Byron Center Avenue on the report of a retail fraud at a local business. The suspect in the retail fraud had fled the scene and was located by officers a short time later.
The 18-year-old male resident of Wyoming was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun. The male was arrested and brought to Kent County Jail for carrying a concealed weapon.
Seven hours after the first weapons arrest, officers from the Wyoming Police Department conducted a traffic stop near 44th Street and Clyde Park Avenue to arrest a subject wanted for a felony warrant.
The individual, a 50-year-old male Kentwood resident, was arrested without incident for an outstanding warrant. The suspect was found to be in possession of two loaded handguns at the time of his arrest. The male was taken to Kent County Jail on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, possession of cocaine, and a felon in possession of a firearm.
(Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
Just after 12 a.m. on Aug. 16, Wyoming officers responded to the 2600 block of Spring Hill Street on the report of a suspicious vehicle. The occupied vehicle was located shortly after officers arrived in the area.
The occupant of the vehicle, a 22-year-old male Benton Harbor resident, was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun. The suspect was taken to Kent County Jail for carrying a concealed weapon.
These incidents are just a small example of the exemplary work that Wyoming officers engage in daily. Wyoming Police Department’s commitment to safety in the community is unwavering and will continue to be the utmost priority.
The Wyoming Police Department has seized 63 firearms in 2023.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety announced the death of its former K9 dog, Dutch, today.
“It is with profound sadness that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety announces the death of retired police K9 Dutch,” the department stated in a prepared press release. “Dutch served with the Wyoming Police Department for approximately nine years before retiring in 2020.
Retired K9 Dutch
“Dutch was a lot and beloved member of the Wyoming Police family and will be greatly missed.”
Dutch served the department for nine years, retiring in 2020. After his retirement, he went on to live with his handler, Officer Kelsey Eisen.
“I don’t know what I would do if someone said I couldn’t keep Dutch after working all those many training hours and working the road ,” Eisen said during Dutch’s retirement celebration in 2020. “You literally spend more time with the dog than you do with your family. So if someone was to tell me that I couldn’t take him afterwards it would be devastating and I would be heartbroken that I couldn’t give him that special treat afterwards for how much work he has done in the city and couldn’t spoil him in retirement.”
For past three years, Dutch’s only job was finding the couch and getting all the attention from Eisen’s family.
UPDATE: From Wyoming Department of Public Safety “We are grateful to report that Amir and Adonis Ezell have been located and are unharmed. Early this afternoon a family member of Mr. Ezell dropped the children off at their mother’s residence, and they are now safe. Mr. Ezell has not been located by officers at this time. This case will be reviewed by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor
Suspect Jacobus Lamont Ezell, 25. (Courtesy, Wyoming Department of Public Safety.)
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety are searching for Jacobus Lamont Ezell who after a domestic dispute with his girlfriend took their two children, 18-month-old Amir Ezell and 4-year-old Adonis Ezell.
At approximately 5:23 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 2600 block of Burlingame Avenue SW on a report of a domestic dispute. When officers arrived, they learned that after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend, the suspect, Jacobus Lamont Ezel left with the two children. The suspect is the biological, non-custodial father of both children. Officers are concerned for the welfare of the children given the circumstances of this incident as well as the fact that the suspect is reported to have a mental disorder.
The suspect was last seen with the children in the 2600 block of Burlingame Avenue SW. It is believed that he left the area on foot with the children as well as a baby stroller.
The suspect has been identified as Jacobus Lamont Ezell a 25-year-old black male. He has black hair, brown eyes, is 6 feet tall, and weighs 180 pounds. His hair was described as being styled in “half-afro and half- twists.” He was last seen wearing black pants, white shoes, and no shirt.
Amir Ezell, 18 months.Adonis Ezell, 4 (older picture)
Pictures courtesy of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
The children were identified as:
Amir Ezell, an 18-month-old black male, approximately two feet tall, weighing 30 pounds, andwearing a green onesie and red and white socks.
Adonis Ezell a four-year-old black male, approximately three feet tall, weighing 40 pounds, andwearing spider-man shoes and red and white socks.
The stroller was described as being a Graco brand, black and white in color.
Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety are giving this their full attention and are seeking the public’s help in locating the children. The children have been entered into the National Crime Information Center, an Endangered Missing Person Advisory has been submitted to the Michigan State Police, and a Child is Missing Alert has been activated.
Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Jacobus Ezell is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
On May 9, at approximately 7:30 a.m., police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety and Grandville Police responded to the area of 28th Street near Clydon Avenue on a report of a head-on collision involving two vehicles.
When officers arrived they located two patients, an unresponsive 7-year-old female and a 31-year-old male both with serious injuries. The uninjured driver remained at the scene to speak with police. the injuries driver and child were both transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s Accident Investigation and Forensic Services Units are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding 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.
Kent County Sheriff’s Department
At 2:30 a.m. this morning, a homeowner called 911 stating three suspects were checking car doors in the neighborhood along South Park Drive SW. Deputies arrived in the area and located the vehicle described by the homeowner and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled from deputies but ran over spike strips just down the road. A pursuit continued up Kalamazoo Avenue nail the driver lost control and came to a stop along Kalamazoo Avenue near 52nd Street.
One occupant ran away and a second was arrested in the vehicle. The vehicle itself was stolen form Plainfield Township on May 3. Inside the deputies located two pistols along with cash and other items stolen from vehicles. An 18-year-old Grand Rapids man was arrested on charges related to the case. The other suspect remains outstanding.
This follow a similar incident Monday morning in Byron Township. At 6 a.m., KCSO dispatch received multiple calls of suspects breaking int o cars in the area of Marshwood Court SW. Two vehicles fled from deputies, which were later found at 68th Street and Clyde Park Avenue. As deputies closed in they located four suspects running form the cars, who were all apprehended (ages 15, 16, and two 17-year-old males from Grand Rapids). Three stolen vehicles in total were recovered.
According to a statement released by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department “We continue to see the brazen action of these suspects continue. Please keep your firearms, keys, and cash out of your vehicles. All areas of Kent County are being targeted.”
Firefighters Sam and Mike Jones check the vehicle over. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Lt. Jesse May, center, directs the clean-up at the intersection of 36th and Clyde Park. With him are firefighters Mike Jones (left) and Sam Jones (right). (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
From the left, Firefighters Cullen Dodge and Mike Jones help with clean-up at the intersection of 36th and Clyde Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The Wyoming Fire Department uses its vehicles to block traffic so the team can clean-up the intersection. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Firefighter Sam Jones makes sure the engine is not on fire before loading the car on to the tow truck. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The Wyoming Fire Department crew help to load one of the vehicles on to the tow truck. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Firefighter Cullen Dodge (center) pours a kitty litter-like material on to the street to absorb the oil and gas from the damaged vehicles. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Part of the duties of the Wyoming Fire Department is to clean-up after an accident. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Lt. Jesse May keeps an eye on traffic as his crew works on cleaning up the intersection of 36th and Clyde Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
NOTE: This is a two-part series on a ride-along with the Wyoming Fire Department. The first part is a glimpse of the daily activities of one of the department’s teams based out of the Central Station, located at 1250 36th St. SW.
“Did you see Steve almost get hit three times?” said Wyoming firefighter Mike Jones as he hops back into the department’s ladder truck.
It was not hard to miss the first incident. Equipment operator Steve Boetsma stood with a blower in hand clearing the debris from the intersection of Clyde Park and 36th Street while the driver of a large black SUV decided to go through the accident versus following the traffic cones to go around it.
Jones said the driver made a crude gesture with Lt. Jesse May noting, “Well, we are station 1.”
“People don’t like us,” Jones said. “They don’t like the police more, but they especially don’t like us when we are blocking an intersection.”
It is 11:15 a.m. on March 22 and this is the fourth run, the second to the same location, the Wyoming Fire Department’s red team has made since the start of its shift at 7 a.m. Within this 24-hour shift, which ended at 7 a.m. March 23, the Wyoming Fire Department would answer 21 calls in total.
The Start of the Day
Equipment operator Steve Boetsma puts the ladder truck through its paces in a check of the equipment. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The start of the shift was busy with the five-member team of May, Boetsma, Jones, Sam Jones (Jones’ brother), and Cullen Dodge responding first to a medical call, followed by the team’s first visit to the intersection of 36th Street and Clyde Park Avenue, which also was a car accident.
Rolling in after 9 a.m., the team is able to focus on its daily routine of pre-checks, maintenance and starting breakfast.
Boetsma takes the ladder truck outside for a routine check, something that is done at the beginning of each shift.
“It is actually the only working ladder truck in the department’s fleet,” May said during a tour of the station. Smaller engines that pump water are both located at the Burton Street and Gezon stations, but are not at the capacity of the ladder truck. If a May 2 millage proposal passes, the department would be able to purchase a second aerial truck that would include a bucket. The second aerial truck would not only provide more water pump capabilities, but the department would be able to switch between vehicles, reducing wear and tear.
Mutual Aid
Lt. Jesse May shows the equipment on one of the medical response vehicles. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
An alarm signals. It’s for Grandville, near the Wyoming/Grandville border.
Even though close, “We can’t answer that call,” May said. You can tell it bothers him not to respond. “If we go, then there is no one to cover the city.”
There are mutual aid agreements between many of the West Michigan communities. In 2020, the City of Wyoming had to rely on assistance from neighboring communities 140 times because the department’s staff was on other calls. Most recently, during the March 18 snowstorm, the Grandville Fire Department responded to a call in Wyoming on Chicago Drive. While on the call, Grandville’s fire engine and a tow truck were struck by oncoming vehicles.
In a Kentwood Fire Department’s 2022 Fire Report, under the mutual aid section, Kentwood responded to mutual aid calls in Wyoming 50 times, while Wyoming responded to mutual aid calls in Kentwood twice. Of the 50 calls Kentwood responded to in Wyoming, 23 were for EMS.
The Increase in Medical Calls
Firefighter Mike Jones prepares a medical call. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The alarm goes off. It’s 10 a.m.
“They made breakfast,” Jones said as he climbed into the truck.”There is enough for everyone. We try to eat together as a family at every meal; breakfast, lunch and dinner. It doesn’t always work out that way.”
For Wyoming, medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and overdoses have doubled in the past five years from 633 to 1,310. Nursing homes can sometimes have multiple calls in a day, May said. This call is to a doctor’s office.
The average response time for the Wyoming fire department is 5.16 minutes, which falls behind the national recommended average of four minutes. The team makes it to the scene within five minutes. To the team’s surprise, an ambulance service has gotten to the scene before them. May and Jones hop out of the truck to assist. For the three-man team to go out, assist and come back to the station, it takes about 30 minutes.
“Many times we are first on the scene,” May said. “Because we don’t transport, we can take vitals and evaluate, but we have to wait for an ambulance, which depending on the calls that day, could be 30 to 40 minutes.”
No. 1 Priority: Staff
As soon as they get back, Jones is corralling everyone for breakfast. It is about 10:30 a.m. when the group sits down at a large wooden table with the Wyoming Fire Department logo embedded.
As they eat, the group openly discusses the need for more staff. Boetsma noted that for a structural fire, the minimum staffing requirement is 14. A fully staffed day, with no one on vacation or sick, the Wyoming Fire Department has 11, but usually staffing levels are at nine. May noted that with nine on a shift, it allows for the department to staff three of its four stations. The only unmanned station is Division Avenue, which is the busiest area for calls, May said.
If there is eight or less on staff, then only Gezon and the Central Station are staffed. The city is divided into two with Central Station taking everything north of 44th Street and Gezon everything south of 44th Street.
Helping to ‘Soften the Load’
Having more staff is on top of the department’s wish list. A May 2 millage proposal would maintain that current staffing of 36 and add three more firefighting positions.
Chart from the City of Wyoming
Even with the additional staffing, the Wyoming Fire Department would still be at the bottom of area departments with 39 firefighters covering a population of around 77,000, which is one firefighter serving 2,000 residents. In the City of Grand Rapids, there are 195 firefighters covering a population of about 201,000, which is about one firefighter serving around 1,000 residents.
The additional staff would “soften” the load, May said, adding it would allow firefighters time for other tasks such as testing to make sure its self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are in working order. The department does this in-house to help keep costs down and for faster turnaround time, he said. It also would allow staff to work on certifications and other maintenance needs that are currently low priority.
Clean up on 36th and Clyde Park
Breakfast is over and the team splits up to take care of various tasks.
Equipment operator Steve Boetsma cleans the intersection of Clyde Park and 36th Street. Firefighter Cullen Dodge walks behind him. This was just before a black SUV almost hit Boetsma. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“I think people believe we sleep all day or just sit around,” Jones said. “We don’t. We have equipment checks and stuff around the station that needs to be done.”
It’s 11 a.m. and the alarm goes off for the second accident at 36th and Clyde Park. This time, all five members head out, three on the ladder truck and two in a medical response vehicle.
No one is injured. The team puts out an engine fire and starts the process of clean up which includes a kitty litter-like compound on the oil and gas, sweeping up the debris, and assisting the tow truck drivers in removing the vehicles. To protect the scene, the firefighters, police officers, and others, the large ladder truck is used to block a portion of the intersection. The department has a vehicle to block traffic, but not enough staff to drive it to the scene.
“Since there were no injuries, if there had been a medical call, I could have sent two of the guys there,” May said. “I probably would not have though because of the need for traffic control.”
It only took 40 minutes for the clean-up and even with the engine blocking the intersection, there were several close calls, the three with Boetsma and a couple others, with vehicles trying to get around including one person using the wrong lane of traffic to try and make a left, which May had to stand in front of the car to get the driver to turnaround.
It’s back in the truck, but before heading back to the station, the team has one more stop they would like to make.
Next: Part 2, A visit to the Division Avenue station.
On the anniversary of its inception, the Metro Pattern Crimes Task Force (MPACT) announced today that it has arrested 12 individuals believed to be involved with 22 burglaries throughout Kent County including the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
Since Jan. 30, MPACT has been investigating numerous business break-ins throughout Kent County. The suspects targeted marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores, and convenience stores that sold vape pens similar to the rash of break-ins that took place on Jan. 27 that included Wyoming’s D. Schuler. Officers did not state if the arrests was related to the Jan. 27 break-ins.
The investigation conducted three residential search warrants and recovered four stolen handguns and 12 stolen cars. It is believed that along with the cities of Wyomig and Kentwood, the cities of Grand Rapids, Walker Lowell and Cedar Springs and the townships of Solon, Cascade, Gaines, Plainfield and Byron has all been affected by these incidents.
“By having a unit like this that is under one roof representing several different areas, officers are able to identify developing behaviors and patterns and working together to solve significant crimes that stretch across Kent County,” said Lt. Andrew Koeller, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety public relations officer.
Focus on violent and serial crimes
The task force was created in February of 2022 to address not only violet crime, but also significant pattern crimes such as burglaries, purse snatchings and other incidents that often occur across multiple jurisdictions, within the county.
“The team runs under the radar but has helped with making a number of arrests in violent crimes such as homicides and shootings and serial crimes such as the stolen vehicles,” Koeller said.
Arrests for the business break-ins took place over the last several weeks with the last one on March 14. The adult and juvenile suspects have been arrested on charges ranging from Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felony Firearms, Breaking and Entering with Intent, to Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Several cases are still open as MPACT investigates and is exploring charges of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony.
Case still under investigation
The suspects range from 16 to 21 years old spanning rom the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Walker, Coopersville and Alpine Township. According to a press release, it is believed that the group could be responsible for burglaries outside of Kent County. The task force is coordinating with area law enforcement partners as the case unfolds.
“This investigation unit is the Swiss Army knife of the county for crime,” Koeller said. “These guys are amazing and extremely dedicated, working long hours to solve significant crime that is committed in our county.”
The task force consists of personnel form the Wyomig Department of Public Safety, Kentwood Police department, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 16-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or at https://www.silentobserver.org.
Starting in March, City of Wyoming residents will have the opportunity to attend public informational meetings about the upcoming May millage proposal that would provide funding to support public safety needs including staffing.
In October, the Wyoming City Council approved a ballot proposal for a millage rate increase of 1.5 mills for a period of five years. For a $200,000 residential home which has a taxable value of $100,000, the additional cost would be about $150 annually.
If approved on May 2, the proposal would generate an additional $4 million in revenue each year. The revenue would help fund 14 police officers and 13 fire fighters.
“This would bring us back up to where the staffing was about 20 years ago,” said Chief Kim Koster. “While we have had an increase in population we have not kept up with that growth through our police and fire staffing.”
Various factors have impacted staffing
There are are number of factors that have caused this situation. About 20 years ago, the country faced the 2008 recession with the city reducing staffing across the board which included police and fire. During that period, the city also lost several major employers, such as Studio 28 and the 36th Street GM plant.
Chief Kim Koster (Supplied)
Another factor is the increased training requirements that have made it difficult for paid-on call firefighters to maintain required standards. The city has seen its paid-on-call staff go from 40 to 6. The Wyoming fire department also handles the highest number of calls in the area, around 265 per firefighter. The City of Grand Rapids averages 124 calls per firefighter while the City of Kentwood averages about 110 calls per firefighter. This sometimes means there is no city firefighters available to respond for calls for service with other cities such as Grand Rapids and Kentwood sending people to respond.
The calls for service are not just for fires, but for a variety of safety issues such as tree damage, wires down, vehicle crashes, gas leaks and medical calls.
On the police side, the city has about 1.3 police officers per 1,000 people which is below the national average of 2.4. This does impact response times. Koster also noted due to the volume, complexity and severity of calls for service, officers do not have the time for self-initiated, proactive activities. Just like the fire department, sometimes there are no officers available to respond to calls for service.
Increase staff = enhance crime prevention
The increase in police staff would enhance crime prevention and improve traffic safety, Koster said, adding that it also would result in faster police and fire response times to emergencies in the city.
There is about .36 of a firefighter for every 1,000 Wyoming residents. (Supplied)
The additional fire staffing would reduce the city’s dependence on mutual aid from other municipalities. In 2020, the city had to rely on other departments 140 times because its fire department was on another call. The additional staffing also would allow the city to fully staff its four fire stations 24/7, something that has not happened in a while, Koster said.
The city has seen some of those benefits with the hiring of 10 of the officers needed through the United States Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. Through the funding, which decreases every year over a three-year period, the public safety department was able to add an afternoon community police unit which has helped with safety of residents as well as problems in the neighborhoods and businesses, Koster said.
On the fire side, seven of the 13 firefighters have been hired, which has helped to reduce the city’s reliance — a little — on mutual aid and provide limited staffing to the stations that currently have none, she said.
Opportunity to meet those in the field
If the millage is passed, it would sustain those added positions along with adding four positions to police and six to fire.
According to City of Wyoming Communication Specialist Brianna Peña-Wojtanek, the first meeting, March 9, will be an informational format with Koster, Interim City Manager John McCarter, and Mayor Kent Vanderwood presenting information about the millage proposal and where the city is now for police and fire staffing. The other two meetings, March 27 and April 27, will provide information along with opportunities for residents to meet and talk to city police officers and firefighters.
For more about the millage, visit wyomingmi.gov/millage. At the information website site is a tax calculator for residents to determine how the proposed millage would impact their property taxes.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The search for a missing Wyoming man came to a sad end over the weekend as his body was discovered in a swamp area in Byron Township.
Raymond Tarasiewicz, 68, was reported missing by his family on Nov. 21, 2022. He was last seen at his home around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022. According to a Facebook post in Wyoming Michigan Informed, he was seen on his driveway on Steff Court. According to family members, Tarasiewicz suffered from early signs of dementia.
On Friday, Jan. 20, a family searching for their missing dog found the body in a semi-rural area of Kent County near the intersection of Ivanrest Avenue and M-6, according to a release from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. According to reports, the family saw the dog in the area and went to search. The dog was later found a few miles away from that area.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office was called to the location at approximately 1:45 p.m. and worked with Wyoming investigators to identify the remains as those of Tarasiewicz. According to police, there was no obvious indications of foul play or self-harm. The circumstances surrounding Tarasiewicz’s death remain under investigation and an autopsy will be conducted by the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety expressed its condolences to the family and there has been an outpouring from the community for the family on social media.
Shooting in Buchanan Avenue area
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting in the 3200 block of Buchanan Avenue on Jan. 21 at 4:07 a.m.
A duplex residence was struck by numerous rounds of fired by unknown individuals. A 50-year-old female who was sleeping in the residence was struck in the arm by one round. She was transported to the hospital for treatment and is in stable condition at this time. Both residences in the duplex and a vehicle in the driveway were struck by gunfire. Other individuals were present in the homes, but no one else was injured.
A silver sports car was seen leaving the area shortly after the shooting and is being sought by investigators.
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. Tips can also be left at Silent Observer’s website.
Photos of the first suspect. (Courtesy, Wyoming Department of Public Safety)
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking help of the public to identify the suspects of a Dec. 18 robbery at the Citgo gas station at 4405 S. Division Ave.
The station was robbed by two individuals, according to investigators. A firearm was used in the robbery. There were no injuries. The two suspects fled on foot from the scene after obtaining beer form the store. A K-9 track was attempted but the suspects were not located at that time.
Photos of the second suspect. (Courtesy of the Department of Public Safety.)
One suspect is described as Hispanic male about 5-foot tall, late teens to early twenties, and wearing a blue hat and black coat. The second suspect is described as Hispanic male around 5-foot, 2 inches tall, late teens to early twenties, and wearing a black sweatshirt with a Santa on it and a black hat.
Anyone with information regarding the suspects on the Dec. 18 robbery are asked to contact the Wyoming Police Investigative Division, Detective Gray at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-77f4-2345.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety recently stated that detectives were able to locate and take into custody two suspects for a Nov. 1 robbery at a Division Street store.
The two suspects are allegedly involved in the 7:15 p.m. Nov. 1 robbery at 3530 Division Ave. Three suspects were involved in the robbery with one being shot during the incident by an employee at the store. The 15-year-old suspect who was shot was funday’s short distance from the business and transported to a local hospital for treatment. He currently remains under medical care at this time.
Police noted that the suspects arrived at the store in a Ford Fusion that had been reported stolen earlier that day. The vehicle was recovered at the robbery scene. In the original police report it stated that information found in that recovered vehicle provided leads regarding to the other two suspects who had fled the scene.
Both suspects were juvenile males ages 14 and 17. they were taken into custody without incident by investigators.
Once the investigation is complete, the Kent Count Prosecutor’s Office will review the circumstances in this case, including a review of the employee’s action in shooting the individual who was robbing the store.
Update on Indian Mounds Drive shooting
Earlier on Nov. 1, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting along Indian Mounds Drive that resulted in an 18-year-old male being struck by gunfire. The victim died at the scene.
At this time, the department spokesperson said the department does not have an update on the case.
The department continues to appeal 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.
