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
Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin Fatally Stabs Mother Zoya Shablykin and Three Others at Key Peninsula Home
Five people, including the suspect, are dead following a violent stabbing incident and subsequent deputy-involved shooting Tuesday morning in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court Northwest near Gig Harbor, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin.
Investigators say the incident began as a reported protection order violation and escalated into a deadly stabbing attack in a residential cul-de-sac.
Dispatchers received the first 911 call at approximately 8:41 a.m. reporting an “order violation in progress.” According to the sheriff’s office, an adult male had gone to a residence despite a no-contact protection order involving a female occupant of the home.
Deputies later clarified that although a protection order had been granted, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect and therefore was not legally enforceable at the time.
Deputies were en route to serve the order when the situation rapidly escalated.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., additional emergency calls reported that the man was actively stabbing individuals outside the home. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with at least one victim attacked in the middle of the street in front of multiple bystanders.
A deputy arrived on scene minutes later.
According to Officer Shelbie Boyd, spokesperson for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), gunfire was reported at 9:33 a.m.
“We have the adult male suspect who was shot by the deputy,” Boyd said during a press briefing.
Shablykin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the exchange of gunfire but confirmed that the investigation remains active.
Deputies located four adult victims at the scene.
Three were pronounced dead at the residence. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries.
One of the victims was identified as 52-year-old Zoya Shablykin, the suspect’s mother.
Authorities stated that relationships between the suspect and the additional victims remain under investigation.
Witness accounts suggest that neighbors may have intervened in an attempt to stop the attack.
Court records linked to the residence show that in April 2025, Zoya Shablykin petitioned for a protection order against her adult son. The order was granted in May.
In her petition, she alleged ongoing threats, harassment, and erratic behavior, including prior physical aggression. The filing referenced concerns about his mental health and stated he had previously pushed and threatened her.
The protection order prohibited the son from possessing weapons and from coming within 1,000 feet of his mother, her home, vehicle, or workplace. The order also required him to comply with a treatment plan and prescribed medications.
Investigators confirmed that although the order had been approved by the court, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect at the time of the incident. Deputies were attempting to serve the documentation when the stabbing occurred.
Court records indicate Shablykin had multiple prior contacts with law enforcement dating back to 2020, primarily involving traffic-related offenses, including driving without a valid license and refusing to identify himself during traffic stops. Records reflect at least 14 separate cases. A 2023 trespassing charge was dismissed.
A family acquaintance told media outlets that other immediate family members were not present at the residence during the attack and were safe elsewhere at the time of the incident.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Pierce County Force Investigation Team are continuing to investigate both the stabbing deaths and the deputy-involved shooting. Authorities have not yet released the names of the additional victims pending notification of next of kin.
Officials described the event as a tragic escalation of a domestic situation that unfolded rapidly despite law enforcement response efforts.
Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.