Crime
Who is Bradford James Gille? Suspect who stabbed 11 people at Traverse City Walmart
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN — Authorities have identified 42-year-old Bradford James Gille of Afton, Michigan, as the suspect behind Saturday’s mass stabbing at a Walmart Supercenter in Traverse City.
The random and violent attack left 11 people injured, including victims in their 80s.
According to Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael D. Shea, Gille is believed to have acted alone, and officials are “very confident” in his identification as the perpetrator.
The attack unfolded shortly before 5 p.m. on July 20, when Gille allegedly entered the store armed with a folding knife and began stabbing customers in multiple departments without provocation.
Victims were reported across the store, with some sustaining critical injuries. Munson Healthcare confirmed it is treating 11 individuals—five are listed in serious condition and six remain in critical condition.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and terror as customers fled in all directions. Some victims reportedly went into cardiac arrest, and others were treated with emergency tourniquets before transport to nearby hospitals.
Despite the sudden violence, several civilians acted decisively to end the attack.
Among them was Derrick Perry, a licensed concealed-carry holder, who confronted the suspect with his firearm, risking his own life to protect others. Perry’s brave actions allowed time for others to assist in disarming the suspect.
Also instrumental in stopping the assailant was Matthew K., a Marine Corps veteran visiting from Kent City with his family.
After hearing the emergency alert over the store’s intercom and witnessing the suspect stab an elderly woman, Matthew directed his daughter to safety and used a shopping cart to strike the suspect in the leg, causing him to fall forward. He was soon joined by another Marine veteran who held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.
Bodycam and civilian footage from the incident captured the moment shoppers tackled and subdued Gilley in the parking lot. Law enforcement arrived within minutes and took the suspect into custody without further incident.
The FBI has joined the investigation, and authorities say charges against Gilley may include multiple counts of assault with intent to murder, with possible terrorism enhancements pending further review. Sheriff Shea confirmed Gilley has a prior criminal history that includes assaultive behavior and controlled substance violations.
Residents, store employees, and loved ones of victims have taken to social media to express gratitude for the brave civilians who intervened. “Please say a prayer for the 11 victims,” wrote one family member, whose relative was slashed in the throat during the rampage. “She is one of the lucky ones and will recover.”
Traverse City Police, Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, and emergency medical services responded en masse. Local authorities advised the public to avoid the Walmart area on Crossing Circle as first responders remained on scene into the evening.
Officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains active.
Crime
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.