Kalamazoo Man Indicted For Possessing A Firearm As A Felon Before Fleeing Into Crowd Of Runners At Kalamazoo Marathon

<_w3a_sdt docpart="0685227B10FA488EBD2B7702231BCD7D" dropdown="t" id="-1351956640" sdttag="City" title="City"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="Choose an item."><_w3a_listitem datavalue="GRAND RAPIDS" listvalue="GRAND RAPIDS"><_w3a_listitem datavalue="MARQUETTE" listvalue="MARQUETTE"> GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jaeontae Moore, 23, of Kalamazoo, with possessing a loaded handgun when he was ineligible to possess firearms because of a prior felony conviction, before fleeing into a crowd of runners at the Kalamazoo Marathon on Sunday, May 5, 2024

<_w3a_sdt docpart="0685227B10FA488EBD2B7702231BCD7D" dropdown="t" id="-1351956640" sdttag="City" title="City"> "This allegation is serious, and the circumstances of the defendant's arrest are very troubling," said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "Every person, regardless of where they live, deserves to live their life and enjoy their community free from the fear of gunfire - especially at an event like the Kalamazoo Marathon that brings so many people together around a love of running."

<_w3a_sdt docpart="0685227B10FA488EBD2B7702231BCD7D" dropdown="t" id="-1351956640" sdttag="City" title="City"> The indictment charges Moore with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The maximum possible penalty for felon in possession of a firearm is 15 years in prison.

<_w3a_sdt docpart="0685227B10FA488EBD2B7702231BCD7D" dropdown="t" id="-1351956640" sdttag="City" title="City"> Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers attempted to contact Moore while he was in a car during the Kalamazoo marathon in May. Moore fled from the scene and was apprehended a short distance away. Officers located the firearm he is alleged to have illegally possessed at that time.

<_w3a_sdt docpart="0685227B10FA488EBD2B7702231BCD7D" dropdown="t" id="-1351956640" sdttag="City" title="City"> "I am extremely grateful to have such dedicated and committed officers who work hard every day to keep our community safe. Detective Ondreya Anderson was off-duty and was running in a marathon when she observed an armed individual who was extremely agitated. Instead of continuing with the marathon that she had worked and trained so hard for, she called herself to duty," said KDPS Chief Dave Boysen. "Thanks to her quick actions, no one was injured. The suspect was safely taken into custody and the firearm that he illegally possessed was recovered. I am also grateful for our partnership with the ATF and U.S. Attorney's Office for helping to ensure that Mr. Moore will face the consequences for his actions."

<_w3a_sdt docpart="0685227B10FA488EBD2B7702231BCD7D" dropdown="t" id="-1351956640" sdttag="City" title="City"> The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney LaToyia Carpenter is prosecuting it.

<_w3a_sdt docpart="0685227B10FA488EBD2B7702231BCD7D" dropdown="t" id="-1351956640" sdttag="City" title="City"> The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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