Man hospitalized after assault at Kalamazoo River encampment

KALAMAZOO, MI -- A 25-year-old man was arrested Sunday after an assault at a tent encampment along the Kalamazoo River left a 48-year-old man with serious injuries. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded at approximately 7:20 a.m. Sept. 7, 2026, to the 600 block of E. Michigan Ave. after receiving a report of a man who had been severely beaten. Officers found the victim suffering from significant injuries. Investigators determined the assault occurred at a tent encampment on the east bank of the Kalamazoo River, north of the railroad tracks and west of Riverview Drive. The victim's condition worsened while officers were on scene, and Life EMS transported him to a local hospital. He was listed in stable condition following treatment. KDPS detectives developed information identifying a suspect and located him at a residence in the 700 block of South Rose Street. Officers established a perimeter around the home and contacted the suspect, who exited and was taken into custody without incident. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of felony assault and booked into the Kalamazoo County Jail. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, the P3Tips app or online at http://KalamazooSilentObserver.com.