A high-speed crash in downtown Kalamazoo last Wednesday morning is suspected to involve alcohol, according to authorities. The incident, which took place around 2:30 a.m., resulted in significant damage to a storefront building on East Michigan Avenue and is currently under investigation by the Kalamazoo Public Safety.
As reported by ClickOnDetroit, a speeding vehicle was caught on camera before it smashed into the building. Contained inside the vehicle, there were six occupants, who, thankfully, escaped with only the driver sustaining injuries. The driver, a 22-year-old male, was released after being treated for multiple cuts at a local hospital.
Kalamazoo Public Safety's website provides further details, identifying the passengers as two teen boys, a teen girl, a 34-year-old woman, and an unknown person who fled the scene before police could make contact. The department notes that alcohol and high velocity are believed to be contributing factors to the crash.
Deputy Chief Matthew Huber expressed his relief that the crash did not result in more severe outcomes. “This crash could have ended in tragedy,” he told Kalamazoo Public Safety, regarding the vehicle that also had minors circled. “There were six people in that vehicle, including minors, and decisions involving alcohol and reckless speed nearly cost them their lives.” Deputy Chief Huber urged the community to recognize the dangers of impaired and dangerous driving and the seriousness of its potential consequences.
The damaged building is currently undergoing an evaluation process to determine whether it can be reoccupied. In the meantime, anyone with information about the case is being asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety or to leave an anonymous tip via Kalamazoo Silent Observer to assist in the ongoing investigation.
