In a shocking incident that unfolded in a Michigan Walmart on Saturday, eleven individuals were brutally stabbed before brave citizens intervened, preventing the suspect from fleeing the scene.
According to Western Journal, Munson Healthcare reported that of the victims, six were in critical condition and five were in serious condition on Saturday. However, by Sunday afternoon, the situation had improved slightly with two individuals in serious condition, eight in fair condition, and one having been discharged.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Bradford James Gille from Afton, Michigan, is now facing a slew of charges including one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder, as reported by the New York Post. Gille's criminal history is not insignificant, with previous arrests for criminal mischief and drug offenses. In 2014, a vandalism conviction resulted in a 49-day stint in a Florida jail.
The quick-thinking and courageous actions of the bystanders were lauded by Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea. "Its not very often that we have citizens that are willing to step up and take action, he commended.
Among these brave citizens were Matt Kolakowski and Chris OBrien, who were visiting Traverse City for a family vacation and had stopped at Walmart for supplies. Accompanying them were Kolakowskis 13-year-old daughter and her friend. Their routine shopping trip took a horrifying turn when screams filled the air.
Kolakowski, a former Marine, recounted the chilling moment when a store employee yelled, Hes got a knife! after several people near the checkout area were stabbed. Without a moment's hesitation, Kolakowski instructed his daughter and her friend to stay put while he and OBrien pursued the suspect.
I thought to myself, Well, I dont got no weapon, so what am I going to do? So, I just grabbed an empty grocery cart and just took off after him as hard as I could, Kolakowski shared, revealing that he witnessed two victims being stabbed as the suspect fled the store.
In the parking lot, a chase ensued, with Kolakowski managing to hit the suspect in the ankle with the cart. The suspect managed to evade a direct hit from the cart and continued to flee, all the while screaming about being a soldier and labeling everyone in Walmart as "bad people."
Another bystander, who Kolakowski later discovered was also a Marine, drew his gun. The other Marine told me that he just went shooting at a range, and he forgot to take his pistol off his hip, Kolakowski said. Thats what it all came down to.
Upon seeing the gun, the attacker dropped his knife. Kolakowski then held the suspect down until law enforcement officers arrived. I just turned into somebody that I havent been in a long time and just stayed on top of him until the deputy ran up and jumped on top of him with a rifle in his face, and I helped the deputy arrest him, he said.
In the aftermath of the arrest, Kolakowski assisted in treating the wounded amidst a scene of chaos. It was just mass panic in the parking lot ambulances, lights everywhere, sirens everywhere, blood everywhere, people getting loaded up on carts, put in ambulances, he described. It was quite the rush.
OBrien, meanwhile, had returned inside to locate Kolakowskis daughter. When I walked back in, it was an absolute nightmare, OBrien said. It was blood everywhere.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of citizen involvement in ensuring safety. The bravery and quick thinking of these individuals undoubtedly saved lives and prevented further harm.
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