July 27 (UPI) — Police arrested a 42-year-old man in the Saturday stabbings of 11 people in a Traverse City, Mich., Walmart.
Bradford James Gille, 42, of Afton, Mich., was named as the alleged attacker during a press conference on Saturday night. The attack occurred at 4: 10 p.m.
If convicted, he faces life in prison, WXYZ-TV reported. He has previous assault charges and controlled substance violations.
Gille was not injured in the attack, said Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea, who confirmed that Gille acted alone, and his weapon was a folding knife. He faces charges of one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder.
On Sunday afternoon during a news conference, the sheriff said the suspect began attacking people near the checkout area.
“It appears that these were all random acts,” Shea said, adding that a motive remains under investigation.
Witnesses helped end the attack, including one who drew a handgun and forced him to drop the knife. A sheriff’s deputy was near the Walmart when the attack occurred, Shea said.
Of the 11 people attacked, one person was stabbed outside the store, another in the vestibule and the other nine elsewhere in the store. They ranged in age from 29 to 84.
As of Sunday afternoon, two of the victims were still in serious condition. The rest are in fair condition, and one was treated and released, said Dr. Thomas Schermerhorn, the chief medical officer at Munson Medical Center. He said all the victims are expected to survive.
“Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders. We’ll continue working closely with law enforcement during their investigation,” Walmart said in a statement.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she has been in contact with law enforcement about the “horrible news.”
“Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal