A court order sent police hunting for Bradford James Gille 24 hours before he allegedly stabbed 11 people at a Walmart in Traverse City, Mich., the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
The State of Michigan 7th Probate Court of Emmet County had instructed them at about 5 p.m. Friday to take the 42-year-old Gille, who was listed as homeless, into custody. Deputies “spent Friday evening patrolling and actively searching” for him Friday and Saturday, but “unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful,” Emmet County Sheriff Matt Leirstein said in Monday’s statement.
“Regrettably, less than 24 hours after receiving this order, a tragic series of events occurred in Traverse City. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this devastating situation.”
At 4:43 p.m. Saturday, with no warning or verbal threat, Gille suddenly began stabbing people using a folding knife with a 3½-inch blade, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael D. Shea said in a news conference Sunday. One person was stabbed just outside the store, another in the vestibule, and nine more inside. The six men and five women, aged 29 to 84, included one Walmart employee.
Witnesses described a terrifying scene filled with “blood-curdling screams” and narrow escapes from Gille, who had a “crazed” look in his eyes, one person told NBC News. Bystanders who stopped Gilles and held him down included two U.S. Marines, one carrying a pistol.
The reason for the court order wasn’t clear, but Shea said Gille had a history of “prior assaultive incidents, as well as controlled substance violations.” Prosecutors plan to charge him with 11 counts of assault attempt to murder and one of terrorism.
Victims were rushed to Munson Medical Center in serious and critical condition but had improved substantially by Monday. One was still in serious condition, five fair and two listed as good. Two others had been treated and transferred, and another was released on Sunday, the hospital said.
“As the investigation into these events continues, the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to transparency and accountability,” sheriff’s officials said in their statement. “We will share necessary information and ensure that the citizens of Emmet County are kept informed about developments.”
With News Wire Services
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