A rapid investigation in Kentwood

The Kentwood Police Department arrested John Moore, 29, on May 13, 2026 for two separate assaults that occurred within the same hour on May 12 in Kentwood.

Moore is charged with assault and battery and unlawful imprisonment, according to court records. He was lodged at the Kent County Correctional Facility after his arrest.

The first attack: a woman in her yard

On May 12, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Moore allegedly attacked a 66-year-old woman on Poinsettia Avenue SE, according to police reports.

The woman was gardening near her mailbox when Moore drove up in his vehicle and approached her on foot. Officers say he struck up a conversation, made unwanted advances, and physically assaulted her.

The second attack: a teen walking home

Less than an hour later, in the 1800 block of Rondo Street SE, Moore allegedly attacked a 14-year-old girl who was walking home from school.

When officers arrived at the scene, the girl told them she was on the sidewalk when Moore stopped his car and approached her. She said he physically assaulted her and attempted to restrain her.

That victim absolutely saved her own life that day. She did amazing things and fought hard and made that suspect jump back in the car and take off.

Kentwood police described the teenager's response as heroic. Surveillance video released by the department captured the encounter on an 18-second clip.

How police tracked down Moore within 24 hours

According to affidavits obtained by local news outlets, investigators used surveillance footage, license plate readers, witness statements, and identifying features to identify Moore.

The 66-year-old victim called police the day after her attack. Her description of the vehicle and Moore's physical appearance matched what witnesses saw at the second crime scene. A neck tattoo reading "'90s Baby" helped confirm the identification, according to reports.

Police say Moore had also recorded an inappropriate video in a store's common area, which was caught on surveillance footage. That footage contributed to the investigation.

What Moore faces

Court records show Moore faces two charges:

• Attempted unlawful imprisonment — a felony carrying a maximum penalty of 7½ years in prison upon conviction
• Assault and battery — a misdemeanor

Kentwood police say they do not currently know of any additional victims. Investigators are asking anyone with information or anyone who experienced similar unreported encounters to contact the department.

A community on edge

The attacks happened in residential neighborhoods just one mile apart. The speed of the investigation — Moore was arrested within 24 hours — has drawn attention from residents across Kentwood.

The case underscores concerns about pedestrian safety in the city, particularly for young people walking home from school.