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.
Crime
19-year-old Brianna killed in Lincoln shooting, suspect Tyler Benzel charged with first-degree murder
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln police have released additional information about a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman identified as Brianna.
Authorities have identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. According to Lancaster County Jail records, Benzel has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death.
According to Lincoln police, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation involving Benzel’s wife, Brianna and other individuals.
Investigators said they believe the confrontation was initiated by Benzel’s wife. Police said Benzel later left his residence and approached the group.
Authorities allege that Benzel told the individuals to leave and made verbal threats before raising a firearm and firing at the group. Police said the confrontation and shooting took place away from Benzel’s property.
Officers arrived at the scene within moments and found Brianna suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical treatment at the scene. Brianna was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. However, investigators said forensic testing is still required to determine whether the recovered firearm was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities said they are not currently aware of any other weapons being involved in the incident.
Police said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived at the scene. Authorities also said Benzel and his wife did not know Brianna or the other individuals involved before the altercation.
Benzel’s wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting at this time.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence, including forensic testing of the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Benzel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.