Crime
Video Captures Moment Shoppers Confront Suspect During Walmart Stabbing Incident in Traverse City
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A horrifying stabbing incident unfolded just before 5 p.m. Saturday at the Walmart Supercenter in Traverse City, Michigan, leaving multiple people injured and prompting a massive emergency response.
Authorities have confirmed that a 42-year-old Michigan man is in custody in connection with the attack.
According to a statement from Munson Healthcare, 11 victims are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
Five individuals are listed in serious condition, while six remain in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
The stabbing occurred at the Walmart located at Crossing Circle, triggering a rapid response from police, EMS, and fire units.
First responders found victims suffering from severe wounds throughout various departments inside the store.
Several were treated at the scene with tourniquets before being transported to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses described chaos and panic inside the store as the suspect allegedly attacked customers at random.
According to shoppers and employees, people screamed and fled in all directions. One Walmart employee reported seeing a victim who had been stabbed in the eye. Another individual reportedly went into cardiac arrest following the incident.
Several shoppers took brave action to stop the suspect.
According to witness Kathryn Ann Clark, her friend’s son and another customer confronted the attacker and managed to subdue him until police arrived. Despite early social media speculation, authorities have confirmed that no shots were fired.
Amber Paull, another witness, told Channel2 Now that the suspect “just lost it” in the grocery and produce section, targeting random individuals. She noted that an African American shopper tried to intervene by drawing a pistol to stop the attacker, but the suspect managed to slip into the crowd amidst the panic.
Among the victims were reportedly an elderly woman and a child, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the assault.
In a public advisory, Grand Traverse 911 urged residents to avoid the Walmart area, stating, “First responders are on scene. There is no danger to the public at this time.”
The motive for the attack remains under investigation. Police have not released the suspect’s name or additional details about his background as of Saturday night.
Traverse City is located approximately 125 miles north of Grand Rapids. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Authorities are asking anyone with video footage or firsthand information about the incident to come forward.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.