Crime
Witness Says Friend’s Son and Another Shopper Helped Subdue Suspect in Walmart Stabbing Incident in Traverse City
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A major law enforcement and emergency response was launched Saturday evening following a mass stabbing at the Walmart Supercenter in Traverse City.
The incident occurred just before 5:00 p.m., prompting a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) declaration as multiple victims were reported.
According to local officials and eyewitness accounts, at least eleven individuals were stabbed during the attack, with several suffering critical injuries.
Tourniquets were reportedly applied at the scene to control severe bleeding, and CPR was performed on at least one victim in cardiac arrest.
The total number of victims remains unconfirmed as the investigation continues.
Witnesses described a chaotic and horrifying scene inside the store, with panicked customers and employees running in all directions after a man armed with a knife began attacking shoppers at random in various departments.
Victims were reported across multiple sections of the store, including the produce and grocery areas.
Grand Traverse 911 issued a public alert asking residents to avoid the area near Walmart and Crossing Circle, emphasizing that “there is no danger to the public at this time” as the suspect had been taken into custody shortly after the attack.
Eyewitness statements offer further insight into the events. Kathryn Ann Clark told Channel2 Now that her friend’s son and another shopper helped subdue the suspect before police arrived.
Walmart employees confirmed that no shots were fired during the incident. Tasha Nash, who works at the store, stated, “Me and my sister work there. The whole store started screaming and running. There was a guy with a knife—he stabbed six people. I saw someone stabbed in the eye.”
Amber Paull reported seeing a man she described as “a foreign guy” randomly attack people in the produce section. “An African American man pulled a hero move and drew his pistol to try and stop him,” she said. “But then people screamed, and employees shouted for everyone to run, and the suspect slipped away into the crowd.”
Suspect is a Michigan resident, police confirmed.
Among the injured were an elderly woman and a child, according to initial accounts.
Law enforcement agencies have not yet released the suspect’s identity or disclosed a potential motive.
The investigation remains active, and officials are working to confirm details regarding the number of victims and the suspect’s background.
Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid the area as the scene is processed.
Updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.