Bravery at Walmart: Local Man Stops Stabbing Suspect at Gunpoint in Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — In a harrowing act of violence that unfolded in a typically peaceful corner of northern Michigan, one man’s bravery stood out as a beacon of hope. Derrick Perry, a local resident and concealed carry permit holder, is being hailed as a hero after confronting and halting a knife-wielding attacker during a shocking mass stabbing incident at the Walmart on US-31 in Traverse City on Saturday afternoon. His quick thinking and decisive action likely saved numerous lives.
The attack began just after 3:00 p.m. inside the busy Walmart store, which was crowded with weekend shoppers and families. According to witnesses and preliminary reports from the Traverse City Police Department, a man armed with a large kitchen-style knife began attacking random shoppers near the pharmacy section without warning. Panic quickly erupted as customers screamed and ran for cover, some attempting to help those already wounded.
Among the chaos were Derrick Perry and his wife, Katrina Derrick Perry, who were shopping together when they heard the screams and saw people fleeing in all directions. Recognizing the seriousness of the threat, Derrick—who legally carries a concealed handgun—acted without hesitation.
While Katrina worked to shepherd nearby customers to safety, Derrick located the suspect and confronted him at gunpoint. Multiple eyewitnesses reported seeing Perry aim his firearm directly at the suspect and issue firm verbal commands to drop the weapon and get on the ground. Miraculously, the suspect complied, placing the knife on the ground and surrendering until police arrived moments later.
Officers took the suspect into custody without further incident. He was later identified as a 32-year-old male from the local area with a history of mental health issues and prior run-ins with the law. Authorities have not yet released his name, pending formal charges, but said he could face multiple counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault.
Three victims were injured during the attack—two seriously and one treated and released at the scene. Thanks to the rapid response by both Derrick Perry and arriving law enforcement, the suspect was prevented from inflicting even greater harm.
Traverse City Police Chief Rebecca Ford praised Perry’s actions during a press conference on Sunday morning, saying, “There is no question that Mr. Perry’s bravery and quick intervention prevented this situation from becoming far more deadly. He demonstrated incredible courage under pressure, and our community owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
Community members, friends, and complete strangers have since rallied around Derrick and Katrina Perry, expressing admiration and thanks across social media and in person. Many have called for public recognition or commendation for his heroic efforts.
“I just did what I had to do,” Derrick later told reporters, standing beside his wife. “We saw people in danger, and I couldn’t just stand by. I knew I had to stop him before someone else got hurt—or worse.”
Katrina, visibly emotional, added, “Derrick is my rock. He put himself in harm’s way without a second thought. I’m so proud of him, and I’m just thankful everyone is alive.”
Walmart has since issued a statement acknowledging the incident and commending the swift actions of law enforcement and the civilian who stepped in to help. The store closed temporarily to allow for investigation and cleanup but has since reopened under heightened security measures.
This event has sparked wider discussions around concealed carry laws, personal defense, and community readiness. While some may debate the broader implications, many agree that Derrick Perry’s courage helped prevent a potential massacre.
Local officials are reportedly considering a formal commendation or citizen’s bravery award for Perry, noting that his decisive actions likely prevented an unspeakable tragedy from unfolding in full.
As Traverse City begins the slow process of healing, many are finding inspiration in Derrick Perry’s example—a reminder that in moments of fear and violence, the courage of one individual can make all the difference.