Update: Officer Out Of Hospital, Suspect Dead in Kalamazoo Ambush

One person is dead, a police officer is out of the hospital, saved by a bullet proof vest after an attempted ambush at Biomat USA Plasma Center on Kalamazoo Avenue at Edwards Street in Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas said at an afternoon new conference that a 2 1/2 veteran of the department survived thanks to wearing a bulletproof vest. The shooter was killed by the officer's partner, who has been on the force for just over eight months.

"The officers acted just as they have been trained to do", said Thomas.

An approximately 30 year old employee of Biomat USA entered its offices, shot at the ceiling and ordered co-workers to call police. The alleged shooter then waited for officers to arrive near the entrance, planning to shoot them as they entered. As the shooter fired multiple shots at the first officer, the second officer returned fire at the suspect. Medical efforts after the incident failed and the suspect died.

Thomas did not provide many details, saying the investigation was in progress, which has been joined by the Michigan State Police.

"Even in Kalamazoo, we are not immune to violence", Thomas said.

Related traffic update. Kalamazoo Ave. between Harrison and Rose St. is closed indefinitely. Traffic is being detoured to North St. and then back to Kalamazoo Ave.