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
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.