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
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.