Crime
Derrick Perry Drew His Firearm and Risked His Life to Help Subdue Suspect in Traverse City Walmart Mass Stabbing
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — As the community of Traverse City reels from Saturday’s horrifying mass stabbing at the Walmart Supercenter, the stories of courage and selflessness shown by everyday citizens are emerging—shedding light on the heroic actions that may have saved countless lives.
Among those recognized are Derrick Perry and Matthew K., two men now credited with confronting and helping to apprehend the 42-year-old suspect after he attacked 11 people inside the store.
According to officials and eyewitnesses, the stabbing spree unfolded just before 5:00 p.m. and left six victims in critical condition and five others in serious condition, as confirmed by Munson Healthcare.
In a Facebook post, one local resident expressed gratitude to the brave individuals involved in stopping the attacker, revealing that a close family friend was slashed in the throat during the rampage. “She’s one of the lucky ones and will be okay,” the post reads. “Please continue to pray for her and the other 10 victims.”
Matthew K., a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Kent City, Michigan, was visiting Traverse City with his family on vacation.
According to witnesses, the family had just finished checking out at the store when an emergency announcement was broadcast over the intercom: “There’s a man with a knife!”
While exiting the store, Matthew saw two people injured, including an elderly woman.
Acting on instinct and military training, he instructed his daughter to stay back, then used a nearby shopping cart to strike the attacker in the Achilles tendon, causing the suspect to fall forward.
“Matthew didn’t hesitate,” a witness said. “He went into ‘Marine mode’ and neutralized the threat.”
At that same moment, Derrick Perry, another shopper, reportedly drew his legally-owned firearm and ordered the suspect to drop the knife.
The suspect complied after realizing he was surrounded, and several other shoppers joined in, tackling and restraining him until police arrived moments later.
“He [Derrick] risked his life to save many others,” one post stated. “He is truly a hero.”
The assault appeared random and indiscriminate, with victims found across various departments.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as customers ran in every direction.
“I work there,” said Walmart employee Tasha Nash. “People were screaming. I saw a man stabbed in the eye.”
Another witness, Amber Paull, said, “A foreign guy just lost it on random people in the produce and grocery area… there were victims everywhere, including a child and an elderly woman.”
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been officially released, was taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have ruled out any additional threat to the public.
The motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Law enforcement agencies including local police, EMS, and state officials continue to investigate the stabbing.
The Grand Traverse 911 center issued a public advisory asking residents to avoid the area, stating, “There is no danger to the public at this time.”
This tragic event has forever altered the lives of many families in Traverse City, but thanks to the decisive actions of ordinary citizens—veterans and bystanders alike—a far greater loss of life was likely prevented.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional video footage or information to contact local law enforcement or Crime Stoppers as the investigation proceeds.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.