At least 11 people were injured at a Walmart over the weekend during a stabbing incident, which sent many victims to the hospital in a serious condition.
The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office posted a news release explaining what happened. Authorities say the incident occurred at the Walmart in Garfield Township on Saturday at 4:43 PM. A 43-year-old male reportedly stabbed 11 people of “unknown ages” with a folding knife. A deputy arrived at the scene “within minutes” and apprehended the suspect with shoppers’ assistance at the Walmart. “All victims are being treated for injuries at Munson Medical Center, many in serious or critical condition,” the report reads.
The Sheriff’s Office has provided more information in an updated post. They confirm that by the time the deputy arrived, multiple citizens, including one with a gun, confronted the suspect in the parking lot and stopped him from leaving. The updated report also reveals the suspect as Bradford James Gille of Afton, Michigan, and corrects his age to 42.
Authorities Reveal A Walmart Employee Was Also Hurt In The Stabbing Incident
The updated news release reveals the victims’ ages, including three in their eighties. It also notes that one victim was a Walmart employee. Munson Healthcare shared its conditions in a news release and has already provided several updates. Per their most recent post, eight people are in a fair condition, and one has been treated and released. The remaining two are in a serious condition.
Per the Sheriff’s Office, authorities transported Gille to Grand Traverse County Jail, where he will remain until arraignment. He faces 11 counts of assault with intent to murder and one count of terrorism. Authorities say that they have not uncovered a motive, but note that Gille is not unknown to police. His history “shows prior assaultive incidents, as well as controlled substance violations,” per the Sheriff’s Office.
Walmart shared a statement with People, which reads, “Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders. We’ll continue working closely with law enforcement during their investigation.”