Armed Customer Derrick Perry Stops Stabbing Attack at Traverse City Walmart
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — July 27, 2025 — A terrifying stabbing spree inside a busy Walmart in Traverse City could have ended in unimaginable tragedy—if not for the extraordinary bravery of one man. Derrick Perry, a legally armed customer, is being hailed as a hero after stepping in to stop the attacker and holding him at gunpoint until police arrived.
The incident occurred Saturday afternoon when the store was full of weekend shoppers. Witnesses say the suspect began attacking people seemingly at random, causing chaos as customers screamed and scrambled to get away.
But in the middle of the panic, one man stayed calm.
Derrick Perry, who had been shopping at the time, quickly recognized what was happening. As the attacker moved through the aisles with a knife, Perry drew his legally carried firearm, confronted the suspect, and ordered him to the ground. According to eyewitnesses, Perry then detained the attacker at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived minutes later.
“He didn’t hesitate,” said one witness who was nearby during the chaos. “He saw people getting hurt and immediately acted. There’s no doubt he saved lives.”
Thanks to Perry’s intervention, no further injuries occurred after he confronted the attacker.
Emergency medical teams treated several victims on-site, and at least three people were transported to local hospitals with stab wounds. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far.
Traverse City Police confirmed the suspect is now in custody. His name has not been publicly released, and investigators are still working to determine a motive. Surveillance footage from inside the store is being reviewed, and detectives are collecting witness statements.
“This could have been far worse,” a Traverse City Police spokesperson said in a press briefing. “Mr. Perry’s actions were courageous, controlled, and likely prevented additional harm.”
As word of Perry’s actions spread, so did the praise. Online and in person, community members have rallied behind him, calling him a hero and thanking him for acting decisively when others could not.
“He wasn’t there in a uniform, but he was exactly who we needed in that moment,” said a Walmart employee who was present. “He did something most people wouldn’t be able to do.”
Walmart released a brief statement thanking emergency responders and expressing concern for the injured victims. The store was temporarily closed for the investigation and is expected to reopen once the scene is cleared.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not yet shared details about the suspect, including whether there is a history of violence or mental health issues. The FBI has been notified as a precaution, although local police are leading the investigation.
As the community processes what could have been a mass tragedy, Derrick Perry’s name is being mentioned alongside terms like “guardian,” “protector,” and “everyday hero.”
Key Facts:
- Incident: Stabbing attack inside Walmart
- Location: Traverse City, Michigan
- Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
- Victims: Several injured, no deaths confirmed
- Suspect: In custody, identity not yet released
- Hero: Derrick Perry, legally armed civilian, detained attacker at gunpoint
- Investigation: Ongoing by Traverse City Police Department
In a moment of terror, Derrick Perry didn’t run—he stood between a knife-wielding attacker and the innocent lives around him. His courage and calm response under pressure turned a potential mass casualty event into a story of survival, bravery, and hope.
More details will be released as the investigation develops.