A stabbing incident at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, left at least 11 people injured on July 26, according to authorities.
The local sheriff’s office is investigating the attack and details are limited, but Michigan State Police confirmed that a suspect was in custody.
Meanwhile, Munson Healthcare posted on social media that 11 people were being treated at a hospital in northern Michigan, and a spokeswoman further said that all 11 were stabbing victims. Spokesperson Megan Brown said late on July 26 that six were in critical condition and five were in serious condition.
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office later said in a statement on social media that the suspect was a 42-year-old man who entered the store at about 4:45 p.m. A sheriff’s deputy arrived within minutes of the suspect drawing his knife.
He was taken into custody, and people in the store also helped apprehend the suspect and treat victims, the sheriff’s office said.
Sheriff Michael Shea said the suspect is believed to be a Michigan resident and that the weapon used in the attack appeared to be a folding-style knife.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her office is in contact with police and that she will monitor the situation closely.
Traverse City is a tourist destination along the shore of Lake Michigan, close to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and is known for other attractions such as wineries.
“A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman shot the vehicle repeatedly,” police Chief Ryan Strong told reporters on June 22. “At least two staff members shot the gunman, causing the fatal wounds.”
Roughly 150 people were in the congregation that morning. The security guard suffered an injury to his leg.
“We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting,” the chief said.
