Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash on South Westnedge Avenue Kills 52-Year-Old Man, Suspect Vehicle Found in Galesburg

Deadly Crash on Kalamazoo Avenue Leaves One Dead, Police Search for Driver

*KALAMAZOO, MI* — The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred Wednesday evening on South Westnedge Avenue, leaving a 52-year-old man dead and prompting an ongoing search for the suspect driver.

The incident happened at approximately 8:45 p.m. on March 25 in the 1200 block of South Westnedge Avenue near the intersection of Axtell Street. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the man severely injured in the road. Life EMS and KDPS personnel determined the man had died at the scene.

The victim's name is not being released at this time. KDPS extends its deepest condolences to the victim's family and friends during this difficult time, KDPS said in a statement.

Two Vehicles Involved in High-Speed Incident

Witnesses told police they saw two vehicles traveling at high rates of speed in the area at the time of the crash. Investigators spoke to multiple witnesses who described cars speeding through the area shortly before the fatal collision.

Investigators used FUSUS, a cloud-based real-time crime center platform, and license plate readers to identify the suspect vehicle, which was later found unoccupied in Galesburg, WZZM13 reported.

A portion of South Westnedge Avenue was closed for hours while the Kalamazoo Forensics Crime Lab and other investigators collected evidence at the scene.

Vehicle Recovered in Nearby City

The suspect vehicle involved in the deadly hit-and-run has been found unoccupied in Galesburg, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Investigators confirmed the car was located just before 9 p.m. Wednesday on South Westnedge Avenue, and it was recovered the following day in Galesburg.

Investigators are still working to identify who was in the suspect vehicle at the time of the crash, KDPS said.

Police Seeking Information from Community

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division at (269) 337-8139. You can also submit tips anonymously through Kalamazoo Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100, through the P3Tips app, or online at KalamazooSilentObserver.com.

The preliminary investigation indicates the man was struck by one of the two vehicles speeding through the area. KDPS officers responded to the reported personal injury crash at approximately 8:45 p.m. on March 25 along South Westnedge Avenue.

Ongoing Investigation

The Kalamazoo Forensics Crime Lab is working alongside other investigators to piece together what happened during the incident. Authorities are focusing on identifying the occupants of the suspect vehicle and determining their role in the fatal crash.

KDPS said they used advanced technology including FUSUS and license plate readers to track down the suspect vehicle, which led investigators to Galesburg where it was found unoccupied.

The investigation is ongoing, and KDPS continues to seek information from witnesses and anyone who may have seen the vehicles involved in the incident.