GRAND RAPIDS POLICE DEPARTMENT

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A ballot drive to change the city’s funding requirements for the Grand Rapids Police Department and allocate more funding to community services will not end up on the November ballot this year. RELATED: Petition circulating in Grand Rapids would mandate money for mental health, affordable housingThe Grand Rapids Clerk’s Office did not receive any submissions from the coalition by Tuesday’s deadline, city spokesperson Steve Guitar told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Wednesday. The coalition is calling its effort “a political campaign to amend the Grand Rapids city charter to reinvest in critical social services,” its Facebook page reads. In Grand Rapids earlier this year, a white police officer shot and killed Patrick Lyoya following a traffic stop. In 2020, conversations around defunding the police department from 38.6% of the general fund to the city charter minimum of 32% were the focus of public comment periods during Grand Rapids City Commission meetings.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Local NAACP President Cle Jackson is pleased with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights’ announcement this week about formal racial discrimination charges being filed against the Grand Rapids Police Department. Jackson told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press that city leadership must take the charges serious in order to see real change. “With regards to Honestie’s case, (the NAACP) were the ones who initiated a formal complaint against the Grand Rapids Police Department,” Jackson said. ALSO READ: Attorney hopes civil rights charges will change how Grand Rapids police interact with Black peopleJackson said the NAACP looks forward to the next steps in each case. Cle Jackson, Greater Grand Rapids NAACP president, speaks during a press conference earlier in 2022.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – An attorney representing the family of Honestie Hodges hopes civil rights discrimination charges against the Grand Rapids Police Department changes the way officers interact with Black people. Related: Grand Rapids police discriminated against 11-year-old and Black motorist, civil rights watchdog saysMDCR Executive Director John E. Johnson Jr. said Monday that Grand Rapids police were unable to show that people of another race in similar situations would have been treated the same. The handcuffing and detainment of Honestie at gunpoint sparked community outrage, and Grand Rapids city leaders later adopted a policy for how officers should interact with juveniles. There’s first an opportunity for mediation between Grand Rapids police and the complaint-maker, but with no resolution it could go to an administrative law judge. That judge would then make a recommendation to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, which would make a final determination.

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights announced on Monday formal charges of discrimination filed against the Grand Rapids Police Department.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The state’s civil rights watchdog has charged the Grand Rapids Police Department with racial discrimination in the gunpoint handcuffing of Honestie Hodges and the detainment of a compliant Black motorist. He said Grand Rapids police were unable to show that people of another race in similar situations would have been treated the same. Mason, who is Black, was driving that day with her three children when Grand Rapids police stopped her for an expired plate. A Michigan civil rights department spokesperson previously told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press that the new “charges” are not criminal charges, but start an administrative process. That judge would then make a recommendation to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, which would make a final determination.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Four people were injured in a shooting, the Grand Rapids Police Department reports. At approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday, July 17, Grand Rapids police officers were at the scene of a traffic crash at Oakes Street SW and Ottawa Avenue SW when they heard multiple gunshots in the area and responded, officials with the Grand Rapids Police Department said in a news release.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Two individuals were shot in Southeast Grand Rapids the night of Wednesday, July 13, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department. At roughly 11 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a local hospital where two individuals had non-life-threatening gunshot injuries. Both individuals were shot at the 200 block of Brown Street.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A teenager is dead after a shooting in the Grand Rapids area, police said. Officers from the Grand Rapids Police Department were called to the 500 block of Leonard Street NE around 3:40 p.m. Monday, July 4. Officers found one person, a teenager, who died from their injuries of the shooting. The Grand Rapids Police Department’s Major Case Team is currently investigating the incident. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact GRPD detectives at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Several teenagers driving a stolen Cadillac fired at a Grand Rapids Police Department car just after 3:15 a.m. on Prospect Avenue SE, prompting the officer to fire one shot in return, police said Friday morning. No one was injured in the incident, and one teen is now in custody after police chased the vehicle throughout the surrounding neighborhood and a area highway, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom told reporters. The teen was arrested after he and at least two other passengers abandoned the vehicle at Eastern Avenue and Hall Street SE. Michigan State Police are investigating the officer’s decision to fire at the vehicle, Winstrom said. Meanwhile, GRPD is continuing to investigate the incident and is searching for the two other suspects who escaped police after they abandoned the stolen vehicle.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A vehicle crashed into a Grand Rapids building at about 5 a.m. Thursday, June 16. Passersby reported the crash at the intersection of Harvey Street and Emerald Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene the vehicle was found unoccupied, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department. No evidence of significant injury was found at the scene. More on MLiveMuskegon leaders, politicians and more decry Whitmer’s casino rejectionI-94 ramps closing for much of the summer in Washtenaw County as construction continuesSturgis baby formula plant closes due to flooding 11 days after re-opening

Kent County prosecutor Christopher Becker did not hint whether charges would be brought against Grand Rapids Officer Christopher Schurr, who has been placed on administrative leave after he killed Lyoya on April 4.

The Kent County Prosecutor is expected to announce whether the Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya was justified or whether charges are warranted.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids police dog who did bomb sweeps for rock stars and presidential candidates has retired. The K-9 dog, Atos, who served with the Grand Rapids Police Department for eight years, retired last week, Grand Rapids police officials announced Wednesday. “If you’ve seen one of our K-9s at a neighborhood or school event, it was most likely Atos,” Dionne said. Upon retiring, ownership of Atos was transferred from Grand Rapids to Dionne’s family, with whom he’ll spend his retirement. Funding for Rip came from the Grand Rapids Police Foundation, which has a fund dedicated to supporting K-9s and their training.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A coalition of pastors are calling for continued attention on the killing of Patrick Lyoya, specifically on the questions of what charges will be brought and what changes will be made. Among their list of demands, the pastors are requesting a federal investigation into the police officer’s fatal shooting of Lyoya and the culture of the Grand Rapids Police Department. For a federal investigation to be launched into the killing as well as the history and culture of the Grand Rapids Police Department. “This anger is rooted in our deep belief in the dignity, the image of God, that dwelled in Patrick Lyoya. RELATED: Christopher Schurr went from college athlete to cop before killing Patrick LyoyaBecker has not yet announced whether he will criminally charge Schurr.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A 13-year-old was killed and three men were injured in two separate shootings that happened on the north side of Grand Rapids on Saturday night. Police responded to the first shooting at 10:30 p.m. on the 800 block of Alpine Avenue Saturday, May 28. Officers received a 911 call about a 13-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the chest, according to a Grand Rapids Police Department news release. Grand Rapids police responded to a second report of shots fired at 11:45 p.m. Saturday in the 300 block of Cedar Street. Police are asking anyone with information about either of these shootings to contact GRPD at 616-456-3380, or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Toxicology reports on Patrick Lyoya show his blood alcohol was more than three times the legal limit the morning he was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids police officer.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A homicide suspect in connection to two homicides in the Grand Rapids area over 15 years ago is back in Michigan. The extradition process was completed this week to bring the suspect from Mexico to Michigan. Ricardo Fabela Jr. was brought back to Grand Rapids on Wednesday, April 27, for allegedly killing Edgar Lopez and Dipakkumar Patel, Grand Rapids Police Department officials said in a news release. Vidana was arrested in El Paso, Texas, in November 2007, and was returned to Grand Rapids. “This is an example of the determination of GRPD detectives and the partnership between local, federal, and international law enforcement to see an investigation through no matter how long that takes,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom.

Fahirri Dannah was hospitalized with brain damage and a dislocated shoulder

Patrick Lyoya, 26, died after being shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids officer on April 4.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids community organization leaders say they are demanding that Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker recuse himself in the Patrick Lyoya case. They say state Attorney General Dana Nessel is better suited to handle any decision-making because Becker works too closely with Grand Rapids police. Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr on April 4. “He needs to do the right thing,” said Cle Jackson, president of the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP. “Because I do not know Officer Christopher Schurr, nor did I know Patrick Lyoya, the legal standard for recusal has not been met.

Christopher Schurr, an officer with the Grand Rapids Police Department for seven years, shot Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head during a traffic stop this month, prompting weeks of protests.

The GRPD had kept the name of the officer under wraps until Monday, despite activists calling repeatedly for the department to release it

Related: Grand Rapids police have drawn outrage for years for pulling guns on minority residentsMDCR continues to investigate a little more than two dozen discrimination complaints against the department. That is, it did until Lyoya was fatally shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids police officer during a struggle. Lyoya’s funeral was held Friday in Grand Rapids. People have been traumatized by the treatment at the hands of local law enforcement,” said Cle Jackson, president of the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP. It’s long overdue, long overdue.”Both Jackson and Patterson believe there is a pattern or practice of racial discrimination at the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Michigan state officials have asked the US Department of Justice to launch a "pattern-or-practice" investigation into the Grand Rapids Police Department after an officer there fatally shot a man during a physical struggle following a...

A Michigan police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya after a traffic stop pressed the gun against the Black man’s head when firing the fatal shot.

On April 4, Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, was shot in the head by a Grand Rapids police officer during a traffic stop. Many questions still remain.

The request for assistance from other agencies comes nearly three years since the state civil rights watchdog opened an investigation into the Grand Rapids Police Department. Officials with the state civil rights department in May 2019 announced they would investigate that question of racial discrimination, along with dozens of other individual complaints of discrimination against GRPD. The Michigan civil rights department opened a preliminary investigation into GRPD in March 2019. Lyoya’s death has once again placed statewide and national scrutiny on the Grand Rapids Police Department. Johnson said MDCR has fielded a total of just under four dozen complaints against the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Former Detroit police chief Ike McKinnon has spent a lifetime in law enforcement. He walked Local 4 through the actions of that Grand Rapids police officer.

Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, was fatally shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids police officer on April 4.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – In the past five years the Grand Rapids Police Department has drawn scrutiny, sometimes nationally, for instances when officers have drawn guns on people of color. The incidents since 2017 led to calls for change from different groups to improve police-community relations in Grand Rapids. Following up with the group a year later, the youths told MLive/The Grand Rapids they don’t trust the police. In the past five years, Grand Rapids leaders have worked with community organizations and residents on plans to address the relationship between police and community. Read more:Candidates for Michigan governor stake positions on fatal Grand Rapids police shootingCivil rights attorney Ben Crump to address Patrick’s Lyoya’s fatal shooting by Grand Rapids police officerMinor traffic stop led to ‘murder’ of Patrick Lyoya, NAACP says

Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, was fatally shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids police officer on April 4.

Hundreds of protesters were gathered outside the Grand Rapids Police Department Wednesday (April 13) afternoon, demanding justice in the case of an officer who shot and killed 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya.

“Patrick Lyoya!” others responded. A cell phone video from a bystander shows the officer shoot Lyoya while is on the ground, struggling with the officer. Winstrom said the fatal shot was to the head during a Wednesday press conference at city hall. In response, protesters first gathered around 5 p.m. downtown by Rosa Parks Circle before marching to police department. Read more on MLive:Video shows Grand Rapids police officer struggling with Patrick Lyoya before fatally shooting himBlack man’s fatal shooting by Grand Rapids police ‘very sad day for our city’‘Frustrated and hurting’: Michigan Democrats demand accountability after fatal police shooting in Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Police Department released four videos that show one of its officers shooting and killing Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, during a confrontation earlier this month.

The Grand Rapids Police Department released four videos on Wednesday that show one of its officers shooting and killing Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, during a confrontation earlier this month.

The Grand Rapids Police Department says it will release video that shows one of its officers shooting and killing Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, during a confrontation with police earlier this month.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Dozens of community members vented their anger at city leaders Tuesday evening over the killing of a 26-year-old man by a Grand Rapids police officer, with many saying elected leaders could’ve done more to prevent the death. “I first want to say one thing: ‘We told you so,’” Aly Bates, chairwoman of the Royal Black Panther Party Grand Rapids, told Grand Rapids City Commissioners on Tuesday. Related: Grand Rapids police to release videos of officer killing Patrick Lyoya on WednesdayEarlier that day, city staff placed concrete barricades around the Grand Rapids Police Department headquarters. “My ancestors are littered across the Atlantic Ocean and now Patrick Lyoya lies dead in the street. A fight ensued between the officer and Lyoya, and the officer fired his weapon, killing Lyoya.

WHITE CLOUD, MI – The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office is welcoming a new K9 member after a trip to Vohne Liche Kennels this week. Members of the sheriff’s office and Grand Rapids Police Department traveled to Vohne Liche, pronounced “von lick,” in Indiana on Wednesday, March 30, in search of a new police dog, Bob Mendham said in a news release. With the help of the Grand Rapids K9 team, several dogs were tested and Deputy Si, a 2-year-old German Shephard from Slovakia, was chosen to join the sheriff’s office, the release said. Deputy Si and handler Deputy Fritzma will start an eight-week K9 academy on Monday, the release said. The K9 team is expected to be on active duty on June 1.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids will receive nearly $1.5 million in federal funds for Cure Violence, road repairs and pairing mental health workers with police. The dollars were earmarked in the $1.5 trillion spending package approved by Congress and signed last week by President Joe Biden. “We’re very appreciative of the continued support and engagement by our elected leaders in Congress,” said Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington. Another $600,000 will go toward the city’s Cure Violence program based on the national violence reduction and intervention model. Related: Grand Rapids Cure Violence team begins work to prevent shootingsLastly, the city will receive $700,000 to rebuild César E. Chávez Avenue SW.“The street, formerly known as Grandville Avenue, serves as a key roadway in a rapidly growing and changing area of the city,” Grand Rapids officials said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Building trust between police and neighborhoods is emerging as an important goal for new Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom. In a recent discussion with Greater Grand Rapids NAACP President Cle Jackson and other Black leaders, they talked with the police chief about the 2020 discussions for a ShotSpotter gunfire detection system in Grand Rapids. He plans to make it an important part of his agenda in Grand Rapids. Winstrom, a former commander with the Chicago Police Department, started as the new Grand Rapids chief March 7, three days after former Chief Eric Payne retired. Related: Chicago police commander selected as Grand Rapids’ next top copWhat thoughts do you have about the “Defund the Grand Rapids Police” movement in 2020?

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Of the three finalists for Grand Rapids’ next police chief, people had fewer negative things to say about the man who was selected, according to a city survey. Between Jan. 19 and Jan. 26, about 215 people submitted feedback on each of the three candidates for Grand Rapids police chief in an online survey. Winstrom was sworn in as Grand Rapids police chief on March 7. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press submitted a FOIA request on Jan. 28. “I have been a resident of Grand Rapids for six decades and also happen to have a condo in Chicago,” one respondent said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A woman died at a hospital Thursday after police suspect she jumped from a downtown Grand Rapids parking ramp, according to Jennifer Kalczuk, spokesperson for the Grand Rapids Police Department. Grand Rapids police and firefighters responded about 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 10 to a ramp at Ottawa Avenue SW and Weston Street. The woman was taken to a hospital and died later Thursday from her injuries, police said. Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide can seek help from:The 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Network180 Access Center 616-336-3909 or 1-800-749-7720 (toll free), 790 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – New Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom was sworn in on Monday, March 7. “I’ve heard the calls for transparency and accountability, and from what I’ve seen so far, GRPD’s headed down the right path,” Winstrom told those gathered at City Hall in the city commission chambers. New Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom speaks to members of the crowd after being sworn-in at City Hall on Monday, March 7, 2022. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)New Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom, left, is sworn in by City Clerk Joel Hondorp at City Hall on Monday, March 7, 2022. Grand Rapids teen has an app for thatRepublican candidate’s rape comment called ‘egregious, dangerous’ by party leadershipCherry Health gets $2 million grant to expand telehealth services

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Police Department officially has a new chief at the helm. Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom was sworn in Monday evening, March 7, in the ninth-floor city commission chambers at City Hall, 300 Monroe Ave. NW. “The police department is nothing without the community it serves. “I want everyone in Grand Rapids to be safe, to feel safe and to be proud of our police department,” he said, concluding his remarks Monday. “In our profession, and especially as chief, people watch everything you do and that is a blessing, because that means everyday GRPD has an opportunity to set an example of how to be the best police department,” Winstrom said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- One person was injured in a shooting, the Grand Rapids Police Department reports. The incident occurred on the morning of Sunday, March 6. Police were called to the area near the intersection of of 28th Street SE and Englewood Avenue SE to investigate, the Grand Rapids Police Department said in a statement to MLive. Police said a person had an injury not considered life-threatening. Read more:Coast Guard responds to 3 distress reports, warns of unsafe ice on Saginaw BayGenesee County man charged with 23 felonies related to child pornography

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - On Tuesday, the community will have an opportunity to learn about the Grand Rapids Police Department’s first African American female officer and detective, Harriet Woods Hill. In recognition of Black History Month, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in partnership with the Presidential Foundation is hosting the 7 p.m. virtual event on Feb. 15. Murals were created in downtown Grand Rapids to honor historic women leaders and enhance alleyways with public art. Hill’s mural is in the alleyway off Louis Street at the northwest corner of the Grand Rapids Police Department. She said the museum was excited to host the Hill event “to highlight some of Grand Rapids’ own women officers” in uniform.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Police are investigating after a woman was found with a gunshot wound to the chest, the Grand Rapids Police Department reports. Police were called at 2:51 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, to the report of a shooting in the 400 block of Cherry Street SE inside an apartment, Grand Rapids Police Sgt. A female victim was found with a gunshot wound to the chest, he said. The female was taken to Mercy Health Saint Mary’s for treatment. Read more:Suspicious death of baby in Grand Rapids now a criminal investigation, police sayMackinac Bridge shines over icy Straits belowMan dies after being shot multiple times in Flint

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Police responded to a report of a baby not breathing, and the case is now a criminal investigation after the child died, the Grand Rapids Police Department reports. Due to the nature of the incident, detectives, forensic services technicians and personnel from Child Protective Services were called in to investigate. During the course of the incident, if was determined that the death was suspicious and it is now being handled as a criminal investigation, police said. Pending an autopsy, cause of death will be determined by the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office. Criminal charges would ultimately be determined by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids police are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing teen from Detroit who was recently spotted in West Michigan. There have since been possible sightings of the teen in the south side of Grand Rapids, police said. Baker was reportedly seen on Dec. 27, 2021, in a red SUV GMC model vehicle by the Hall Street Party Store in Grand Rapids, police said. The teen reportedly has a medical condition that requires medication, which she has been without since she went missing, police said. More on MLive:Man ‘uncooperative’ after being shot in the head in Grand Rapids, police sayTruck bursts into flames after hitting tree in Muskegon CountyEvent to highlight business opportunities in Grand Rapids neighborhood

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A man who was shot in the face early Sunday morning in Grand Rapids was “uncooperative” and transported himself to a local hospital, according to a news release from the Grand Rapids Police Department. At roughly 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, officers were dispatched to a shooting at the 500 block of Eastern Avenue SE, according to the release. They found a single victim, a man who had been shot in the face. The victim’s injuries were non-life-threatening, however, and the man was “uncooperative” with police, according to the release. Read more:41-year-old man shot multiple times in Kalamazoo‘You can give me a private briefing.’ Emails detail ousted University of Michigan president’s inappropriate relationshipFBI concerned about informants in plot to kidnap Gov.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Police found a man with a gunshot wound to the leg early Sunday morning but the victim was uncooperative, according to a statement from the Grand Rapids Police Department. Just before 4 a.m. Sunday, a caller alerted police to a possible shooting victim walking on S Division Avenue near Hall Street. The victim had approached the caller to request a ride but walked away after the caller phoned the police, according to the statement. Officers found the wounded man walking with another individual, but the victim was uncooperative, according to the statement. Read more:Teen wounded in drive-by shooting in Grand RapidsMichigan’s public colleges and universities struggle to find answers as enrollment takes a nose diveMichigan vaccination rates lag national average, contributing to ‘dire’ strain on hospitals

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Police Department defended its response to Justice for Black Lives’ weekend protest over the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse in the Kenosha, Wisconsin, shootings. The demonstration on Saturday, Nov. 20, in Grand Rapids, came after a jury found Rittenhouse, 18, not guilty in the shootings of three men, two fatally, during an August 2020 protest in Wisconsin over the police shooting of a Black man.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Some activists and residents are calling on Grand Rapids leaders to drop charges against a Black man whose videotaped arrest last week went viral. “I want to demand that these baseless charges be dropped,” one resident told the Grand Rapids City Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Video of the arrest showed numerous officers, with guns apparently drawn, converge on a 22-year-old man they suspected of a possible burglary who was on the ground and awaiting arrest. The video can be viewed here on a Tik Tok post from a Grand Rapids activist involved in Justice for Black Lives. Eventually, I’ve been saying this, eventually the Grand Rapids Police Department is going to kill someone and it’s going to be a big issue.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – One person is dead after slipping and falling into the Grand River in Grand Rapids on Saturday evening. The Grand Rapids Police Department responded to Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave. NE, around 5 p.m.Police said the victim was walking along the river and fell into the water. Rescue crews pulled the victim from the river and attempted CPR. Police said the victim is a minor but did not confirm the exact age. Drone footage shows the ongoing constructionHundreds climb stairs at Grand Rapids ballpark to honor 9/11 victimsMotorcyclist injured in Ottawa County crash

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - An early Saturday shooting injured one person in southeast Grand Rapids, police said. The overnight shooting occurred near Prince Street and Dallas Avenue SE, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department. Few details about the shooting were released, but police said an adult victim received injuries that were not life-threatening. Anyone with information about the shooting can call police at 616-456-3400 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. More on MLive:Police seek help looking for missing man in Ottawa CountyGunman in random shooting on South Haven pier once threatened school shootingKalamazoo streets ‘saturated’ with people dancing on cars during X-Train party

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – An unknown amount of people were seen carrying guns in a Grand Rapids neighborhood Monday afternoon. A 911 call was placed around 4:30 p.m., July 19 about people carrying guns near Alexander Street SE and Fuller Avenue SE, Grand Rapids Police Department said in a news release. Officers saw the people enter a home about two blocks south in the 1200 block of Hall Street SE, police said. The GRPD Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team started using a bullhorn to tell people to leave the house. It was not clear how many people left the house, or if more people were arrested.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A man is dead and another individual is hospitalized in serious condition after a shooting in Grand Rapids early Sunday morning, according to a news release from the Grand Rapids Police Department. Authorities received several 911 calls around 3:50 a.m. about a shooting in the area of southwest Ellsworth and Grandville Avenues, according to the release. At the scene, officers found a vehicle that had crashed off the roadway, the driver of which was pronounced dead at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds. While investigating, police learned another victim was taken to a nearby hospital for surgery on a gunshot wound. Grand Rapids Police are investigating the incident, and believe a vehicle that crashed near northwest Bridge Street and Scribner Avenue may have been involved in the shooting.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Some activists and other community members called on Grand Rapids leaders Tuesday evening to fire the police department’s new chief of staff, who last year was terminated as Kalamazoo’s police chief. About six people in all called into the Grand Rapids City Commission’s virtual meeting Tuesday evening, June 15, to criticize the city for hiring Thomas. No city commissioners, nor Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington, addressed the concerns about Thomas. She is slated to start June 28 in her new role at the Grand Rapids Police Department. Read more:Grand Rapids board provides $253K for Public Museum expansionGrand Rapids poised to purchase 14-acres along Grand River, paving the way for proposed amphitheaterMan intended to stop Grand Rapids rioters, but ended up participating, attorney says at sentencing

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Former Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas been hired as Grand Rapids Police Department’s first chief of staff. She and others had come under fire from some last summer for police response to demonstrations by Black Lives Matter and Proud Boys. Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne said in a statement that he was excited to hire Thomas, who starts June 28. In August, for a Proud Boys demonstration, police were staged off site when violence broke out. Read more:Kalamazoo city manager apologizes for not disclosing that police chief was firedKalamazoo’s police chief, who ‘retired’ in September, was actually firedKalamazoo police chief heard calls to resign, Proud Boys chaos ‘last straw,’ activists say

During the fiscal year 2022 budget public hearing Tuesday evening, May 18, about 30 people called in to the Grand Rapids City Commission’s virtual meeting, with the majority of them telling city commissioners to defund the Grand Rapids Police Department. “It is unacceptable that the GRPD is receiving $700K additional tax dollars while our schools and communities are underfunded,” one Grand Rapids resident said. Related: Activists march to Grand Rapids police headquarters in rally seeking police ‘defunding’During the public hearing Tuesday, some other residents who called in singled out and criticized elected and appointed officials for failing to support defunding efforts. I don’t want to go to another one, and I don’t want to see our community lose an officer.”Other than express appreciation for those who called in, Grand Rapids city commissioners largely didn’t comment on the opinions laid out again before them. Six emails, including one on behalf of the Board of Directors of the West Grand Neighborhood Organization, asked city commissioners to not defund the department.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The city office tasked in part with independently reviewing the outcome of Grand Rapids police investigations into allegations of officer misconduct has finally begun that work nearly 20 months after its formation. Brand Davis, director of the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA), told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Wednesday, May 12, the Grand Rapids Police Department has begun sharing previously withheld internal affairs investigation records. The police department should have turned over internal affairs records before the order, Davis said, but his focus now isn’t on what should’ve happened. “This is a perfect example of an incident that should be closely monitored and evaluated by OPA,” Davis wrote at the time. The city’s Civilian Appeal Board can overturn the results of an internal affairs investigation.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A Grand Rapids man is dead after a hit-and-run crash early Saturday morning. Officers from the Grand Rapids Police Department responded to the 500 block of 28th Street SE just before 3 a.m. Saturday, May 8, for an incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, according to a GRPD news release. The pedestrian, a 33-year-old Grand Rapids man, was crossing 28th Street near Union Avenue when struck by a vehicle traveling westbound. The vehicle fled in an unknown direction, and police found the pedestrian lying unconscious in the center turn lane of 28th Street. Anyone with information should contact the Grand Rapids Police Traffic Unit or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

A teenage girl who was involved in a controversial incident with Grand Rapids police in 2017 has died from COVID-19, according to family members. After battling the virus for two weeks, the young girl died on Sunday, Nov. 22, according to her family members. Back in 2017, Hodges was at the center of a controversial police incident that took place at her Grand Rapids home. On Dec. 13, 2017 the then-11-year-old girl was held at gunpoint, handcuffed and placed into the back of a cruiser by Grand Rapids police. WOOD-TV reported that the young girl was leaving her home to go to a store.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Police in Grand Rapids are investigating “Defund Police” messages spray-painted on driveways at the homes of city officials and at a government parking garage. “These bullying and intimidation tactics are unacceptable and won’t be tolerated. “There is a process in place for determining our department’s budget, and we must let that process play out," he said. A member of the city commission, Milinda Ysasi, has proposed cutting the police budget by $9 million. The budget cut could cause dozens of layoffs, according to the Grand Rapids Police Officers Association and Grand Rapids Police Command Officers Association.