Fatal Crash Sparks Community Outcry Over Traffic Safety on Kalamazoo Road

*KALAMAZOO, Mich.* — The death of a 52-year-old man in a hit-and-run crash on South Westnedge Avenue has ignited fierce community concern about speeding vehicles and inadequate traffic enforcement in the Vine neighborhood.

Local business owners and residents say the road has become a danger zone, with vehicles traveling at high speeds through an area that has already claimed another life.

"It just seems like it's a racetrack to get one way or the other," said Ryan Barber, owner of Kzoo Swift, a bike shop that was previously located on South Westnedge Avenue. "I feel like there's a lot of people driving around without license plates, without lights, speeding, and I don't really see many people getting pulled over."

Barber's shop was forced to relocate to Ravine Road in early 2024 after being struck by an SUV in an incident that nearly four years later still haunts the neighborhood.

Crash Details and Investigation Update

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded to the scene at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Axtell Street. Witnesses told officers they saw two cars traveling at high speed during the time of the crash.

When officers arrived, they found a 52-year-old man in the road with serious injuries. He later died at the scene, according to KDPS.

"Someone lost their life, like that's horrible, and it shouldn't take that to do something about it," Barber said.

Preliminary investigation suggests the man was hit near the intersection. Investigators have recovered one of the vehicles involved in the crash in Galesburg using FUSUS and License Plate Recognition technology, but they are still searching for the driver.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139 or the Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

Community Concerns About Traffic Safety

The incident has reignited long-standing concerns about traffic safety on South Westnedge Avenue. Residents say the crosswalks are inadequate and poorly marked.

"The crosswalks consist of two white lines and maybe a pedestrian crossing sign but nothing reflective even and definitely not anything lit up to signify the crosswalk is occupied," said one viewer who reached out to News Channel 3. "I see people trusting these crosswalks literally with their lives all the time....and the people driving can't see them until they are right on them."

Barber, who now lives near the scene of the recent hit-and-run, emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further tragedies. He and other residents hope that officials will implement speed enforcement and improve traffic infrastructure in the area.

Businesses Seek Surveillance Video

Several businesses in the area have told News Channel 3 that police have asked them for surveillance video that may show the crash. Local merchants say they've dealt with similar issues in the past, including speeding vehicles and dangerous driving behavior.

The neighborhood has seen multiple incidents over the years, including a serious crash that forced Barber to move his business. Now, after yet another death, residents are calling for officials to take action.

Questions for Law Enforcement

News Channel 3 sent KDPS a list of questions and are waiting on a response:

  • Is this an area where there's a high number of crashes?
  • Do officers find people speeding through this area?
  • Do officers have an idea about who the driver could be?
  • Is the driver of the other vehicle also considered a suspect?
  • What led you to find the vehicle in Galesburg?

The station is also seeking on-camera interviews with KDPS officials to discuss the investigation and any plans for increased enforcement or infrastructure improvements.

Ongoing Community Watch

Neighbors came out to their porches Wednesday night when they saw the police lights, drawn by the emergency response. The community has since organized to watch for any suspicious activity and report it to authorities.

Gregory Moss, a resident who came to his porch to see what was happening, expressed his concern about the situation. The neighborhood is now on high alert, with residents watching for any vehicles that might be connected to the crash.

As the investigation continues, the community remains focused on getting answers and ensuring that proper action is taken to protect residents from dangerous drivers on South Westnedge Avenue.