Two Kalamazoo Teens Arrested After Attempting to Hide Firearms During Traffic Stop on North Westnedge Avenue

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Recovers Weapons From Juveniles During Gun Violence Patrol

*KALAMAZOO, Mich.* — Two teenage boys were arrested on weapons offenses Monday in Kalamazoo after members of the Crime Reduction Team observed them attempting to conceal firearms during a traffic stop.

The incident occurred on March 9, 2026, when the Crime Reduction Team was conducting a patrol related to gun violence at Interfaith Homes, according to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officials. During the patrol, officers observed a 14-year-old boy who was wanted on weapon offenses in Kalamazoo County.

Both Teens Entered Vehicle With Weapons

State investigators said the 14-year-old boy was observed with a suspect, both demonstrating characteristics of being armed with guns. Both teenagers entered a vehicle as passengers, and a traffic stop was conducted on North Westnedge Avenue just north of West Paterson Street.

During the stop, investigators observed both teens removing an item from their waistband and motioning to the floorboard of the vehicle, KDPS said. A search of the vehicle yielded guns at the feet of both teenage boys.

One Firearm Reported Stolen

According to police reports, one of the guns seized was reported stolen out of the City of Kalamazoo in 2023. The second firearm was not reported as stolen.

Both teens were lodged in the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home on numerous weapons offenses following their arrests.

Continued Enforcement Efforts

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call KVET at (269) 337-8880, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

The KDPS Crime Reduction Team continues to pursue illegal firearm possession throughout Kalamazoo County, focusing efforts in high-crime areas and targeting individuals who unlawfully carry weapons.

Recent Juvenile Weapons Arrests

The KDPS has been conducting targeted enforcement efforts to address illegal firearm possession in the area. Recent operations have involved members from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and the Crime Reduction Team working together to identify and arrest juveniles in possession of firearms.

These arrests are part of ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence and keep weapons off the streets of Kalamazoo County.