Bradford James Gille, 42
Bradford James Gille, 42
Bradford James Gille, 42, of Afton in Northern Michigan, has been identified as the man accused of going on a stabbing rampage Saturday at a Walmart in the Traverse City area that wounded 11 people. The victims ranged in age from 29 to 84.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael D. Shea said at a Sunday press conference that Gille has a history of assault and that authorities will seek charges including terrorism and assault with intent to murder. He is accused of using a 3½-inch pocket knife.
The Detroit News reports that the Emmet County Sheriff’s deputies had a court order to pick up the homeless man on Friday, but could not find him before he went on the stabbing spree. The publication said it was unclear why the order had been issued.
Shea said Gille entered the store in Garfield Township at 4:10 p.m. and remained until he was arrested in the parking lot after several citizens, including one with a handgun, confronted him and prevented him from further harming anyone. Deputies then arrested him.
The motive, he said, is still unclear.
Munson Healthcare reported that five victims were in serious condition and six were in critical condition. The sheriff said one of those injured was a Walmart employee.
