NEWS RELEASE
***UPDATE***
DATE REPORTED: May 7, 2022
LOCATION OCCURRED: 3800 block of Gull Rd.
INCIDENT SUMMARY: On May 7, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers with the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department were investigating a report of a felonious assault in the 3800 block of Gull Rd. It was alleged a subject had threatened the victim with a firearm. A short time later, officers located the suspect at a local business. When officers attempted to make contact with him, the suspect resisted officers and was able to get into his vehicle. The suspect attempted to run officers over, before crashing into a police car and fleeing the scene. Township officers pursued the vehicle a short distance where the suspect abandoned the vehicle in a nearby apartment complex and fled on foot. Officers chased the suspect who ran into an occupied residence. The subject forced the homeowner out of the residence before barricading himself inside. The Kalamazoo Metro SWAT Team was called to the scene to assist in negotiations. After a several hour standoff, the subject surrendered to police and was taken into custody without incident.
SUSPECT: Nathaniel Lewis Lawshea, a 38 year old Kalamazoo resident was transported and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail.
The suspect in this matter was arraigned by the Honorable Christopher T. Haenicke of the 8th District Court on the following charges:
- Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder: A felony offense for which the offender may receive up 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $5,000.
- Home Invasion – 1st Degree: A felony offense for which the offender may receive up to 20 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
- Felony Firearm (2 counts):A felony for which the offender may receive up to two (2) years in prison.
- Possession of ammunition by a felon: A felony for which the offender may receive up to 5 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine.
- Carrying a concealed weapon: A felony for which the offender may receive up to 5 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine.
- Felony assault with a dangerous weapon (4 counts): A felony for which the offender may receive up to 4 years in prison and/or a $6,000 fine.
- Malicious destruction of police property: A felony offense
- Resisting & assaulting a police officer (2 counts): A felony for which the offender may receive up to 2 years in prison and/or a $2,000 fine.
Judge Haenicke set a bond of $250,000 cash.
INJURIES: No victim injuries were reported. Police officers involved in this investigation received minor injuries. The suspect was not injured in this incident.
ASSISTING AGENCIES: Assisting with his investigation on scene was the Kalamazoo Metro SWAT TEAM, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, Western Michigan University Police, and the Michigan State Police.
This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Silent Observer at (269)343-2100 or the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department at (269)381-0391.
FOR NEWS RELEASE BEGINNING: DATE: May 7th, 2022 TIME: 11:30 p.m.
AUTHOR: Sergeant Matt Davis
SUPERVISOR APPROVING NEWS RELEASE: Chief Bryan Ergang