U.S. Attorney Mark A. Totten | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Mark A. Totten | U.S. Department of Justice
A Kalamazoo man has been indicted for possessing a firearm as a felon and fleeing into a crowd of runners at the Kalamazoo Marathon. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jaeontae Moore, 23, with possessing a loaded handgun despite being ineligible due to a prior felony conviction.
“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.”
The indictment charges Moore with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The maximum possible penalty for this charge is 15 years in prison.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers attempted to contact Moore while he was in a car during the marathon on May 5, 2024. Moore fled from the scene but was apprehended shortly after. Officers located the firearm he is alleged to have illegally possessed.
“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.”
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney LaToyia Carpenter prosecuting it.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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