KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and Michigan State Police spent much of Saturday arresting 20 people for taking part in a so-called 'X-train' Saturday.
A KDPS lieutenant tells FOX 17 that an 'X-train' is when a group of people drive their cars slowly through neighborhoods with loud music disturbing the peace.
Neighbors say the group of people have been wreaking havoc on area neighborhoods for years.
"They’ve caused a great concern for this neighborhood," said Marian Pridgeon with the Douglas Neighborhood Association. "They are bumper to bumper, they have their stereos going full tilt, the bases on the cars rattle the windows on people’s houses."
Pridgeon says the neighborhood association has approached the Kalamazoo City commission to for additional resources to help police to end this situation that is "terrorizing" neighborhoods.
"We know a lot of the participants, it’s alleged that they have drugs and alcohol and fire arms with them," she told FOX 17. "So, it becomes a very dangerous situation in the neighborhoods."
The "X" stands for ecstasy, while the "train" refers to the long procession of cars involved that usually ride caravan-style, Pridgeon said.
Deputies say the 20 suspects face as many as 29 charges related to misdemeanor traffic offenses, fleeing and eluding arrest, operating while intoxicated, and possession of drugs.
A total of 10 vehicles used in the 'X-train' were towed and impounded.
KDPS says 'X-trains' are not common in Kalamazoo but are a concern especially as the weather gets warmer. Pridgeon says she hopes Saturday's arrests are just the beginning.
"Hopefully with the stepped up police presence over the summer months, they can diminish the disruption to the neighborhood," she said.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is being asked to call KDPS at (269) 337-8994 or Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100.
