TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – The good Samaritan who held the Traverse City Walmart stabber at gunpoint until police arrived has been identified as a worker for Munson Healthcare.
The stabbing happened on July 26 at around 5 p.m. 11 people were injured. The motive behind the attack is still unknown.
Recommended Videos
Derrick Perry is an off-duty Munson Healthcare employee. He was identified by the hospital for his heroic acts in helping stop the suspect, Bradford Gille, from attacking more people.
Social media videos have been circulating in recent days showing Perry, as well as other good Samaritans, detaining Gille and de-escalating the situation as police responded to the scene. Perry can be seen in the video holding Gille at gunpoint.
One of the bystanders who helped stop Gille, Matthew Kolakowski, praised Perry during an interview with NBC-affiliate WPBN on Monday, saying he deserved more credit.
Kolakowski, who served in the United States Marine Corps, said Perry is also a Marine veteran.
The victims injured in the stabbing were taken to Munson Medical Center, where Perry works.
The hospital confirmed in a statement on July 29 that Perry works for the company.
“We recognize his courage, yet we want to honor him and his family’s request for privacy during this difficult time as they process these events,” said Munson Healthcare in statement on Tuesday. “Thank you for respecting their privacy.”
Local 4 reached out to Perry’s family on Monday, but he and his family respectfully declined to comment.
Gille was charged with one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder.