Kalamazoo, Michigan – Police are on the hunt for a potential suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a security guard at Green Door Distilling in Kalamazoo. The incident unfolded on Saturday, prompting the deployment of officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety to the scene on East North Street.
Authorities are seeking a white male between 18 and 25 years old, last seen sporting a red hoodie, black backpack, and a “gravity visions” beanie. The importance of locating and interviewing this individual to gather crucial information was emphasized by KDPS Captain Danielle Guilds.
An organization had rented out the distillery for a private event with an estimated 150 attendees RSVP’d for Saturday night. However, exceeding the maximum capacity led the venue to halt entry, prompting a call to authorities due to the swelling crowd. Despite the proactive measures taken, a single gunshot rang out, resulting in 27-year-old security guard Montine Wiley sustaining a fatal chest wound during a confrontation with a customer.
Guilds commented on the tragic loss of life but also acknowledged the potential for multiple injuries given the circumstances of the incident. Surveillance footage from the distillery is now under review by public safety officers as they work to piece together the events leading up to Wiley’s untimely death. Individuals with any information pertinent to the case are urged to contact the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division or provide anonymous tips through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer line.