KALAMAZOO, MI — Two individuals, including a 17-year-old, were arrested Saturday after police recovered two firearms during an investigation into gun violence, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS).
KDPS, working alongside the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, had been searching for Somarion Bennett, who was wanted on outstanding gun-related warrants. Bennett had previously been arrested in May for illegally carrying a firearm.
Authorities located Bennett and the juvenile on Portage Street near East Stockbridge Avenue. Both fled when approached by officers, police said.
During the chase, the 17-year-old allegedly discarded a firearm before both suspects were apprehended. A search of their vehicle uncovered a second gun, which had been reported stolen earlier this year in Benton Harbor.
Bennett was booked into the Kalamazoo County Jail and arraigned Monday on multiple weapons charges, along with charges for resisting and obstructing police. The juvenile, whose name was not released, faces similar charges and was taken to the county juvenile detention center.