Crime & Safety
Portage, MI Police: Man Dies After Alleged Car Break-In
Portage, MI – A 51 year old Kalamazoo man died early Wednesday after a Portage homeowner reportedly confronted him during an alleged vehicle break in, leading to a struggle in which police say both me
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-09-30T13:04:35.237Z
Portage, MI – A 51 year old Kalamazoo man died early Wednesday after a Portage homeowner reportedly confronted him during an alleged vehicle break in, leading to a struggle in which police say both men used weapons.
According to the Portage Department of Public Safety , officers responded at approximately 3:10 a.m. Wednesday to the 7100 block of Cedarcrest following a reported assault in Portage, south of Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County.
Police said officers contacted a 54 year old homeowner who reported being awakened or alerted by the sound of someone allegedly breaking into a vehicle parked in his driveway.
The homeowner then confronted the individual, identified by authorities as a 51 year old Kalamazoo man. Police said a physical struggle followed.
During the confrontation, the 51 year old man reportedly produced a knife, according to investigators. The struggle continued, and the homeowner reported that he stabbed the man.
First responders immediately attempted lifesaving measures, police said. The 51 year old man died from his injuries at the scene.
The homeowner was being interviewed by Portage Department of Public Safety detectives as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter. Members of the department’s Crime Scene Unit were also processing the scene and collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
The department’s initial statement did not announce an arrest or criminal charges in connection with the incident.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Portage Department of Public Safety at 269 329 4567 or Silent Observer at 269 343 2100 .