A Heroic Marine vet saved countless lives when he confronted a knife-wielding lunatic in the middle of a stabbing spree at a Traverse City, Mich., Walmart.
The suspect, Bradford James Gille, 42, who was said to be armed with a folding knife, allegedly stabbed 11 shoppers at random near the store’s checkout area just before 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Customers scattered, screaming in terror.
Gille, still brandishing the knife, was finally chased out of the store by other shoppers.
In the parking lot, he was confronted by Marine veteran Derrick Perry, who pulled out his handgun, pointed it at Gille and ordered him to drop his weapon.
Other men joined him, until the suspect finally dropped the knife. They held him until authorities arrived to arrest him.
The suspect faces charges of 11 counts of assault with intent to murder as well as a charge of terrorism in connection with the attack.
Sheriff Michael Shea of Grand Traverse County said at a news conference that the “multiple citizens, including one who was armed with a pistol,” who confronted Mr. Gille in the parking lot “prevent[ed] him from harming further people.”
He praised Perry and the other men, saying, “It’s not very often that we have citizens that are willing to step up and take action.
“What they did was amazing.”
The valorous veteran is also being commended for his actions on the Overheard in Traverse City Facebook page.
Nikita Marie Holland posted a photo of Perry along with the caption, “This is Derrick Perry! He is the hero from today’s stabbing at Walmart, he is the man that took his gun out and risked his own life to save many lives!”
Kiyanah Perry praised her dad’s heroism, writing “proud daughter moment.”
His daughter-in-law, Riley Blankenship, said, “True hero! So proud of him for protecting so many today.”
“Give him the presidential medal of freedom,” suggested Christian Crampton.
“Not all heroes wear capes,” added Topher Andresen.
Shea said the 11 victims ranged in age from 29 to 84 and were all expected to survive.
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