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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.