UPDATE 2:44 p.m. July 28
MACKINAW CITY — The Mackinaw City Police Department is clarifying reports surrounding its July 18 contact with Bradford Gille, following media coverage that police say inaccurately described the incident.
According to a July 28 news release, officers were dispatched that day to a local family market after receiving a report that a man had pulled a knife and cursed at an employee. While police were en route, Central Dispatch reported the man had left the area heading south.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed that the man, later identified as Gille, had not pulled a knife inside the store and had not threatened anyone inside or outside the building, according to a statement from Mackinaw City Police Chief Todd Woods.
The department said a verbal disagreement occurred between Gille and an employee, after which Gille was asked to leave. As he exited the store, an employee reported seeing Gille pull out a small pocketknife while walking outside. No one else was nearby, and Gille did not return to the store.
Later that day, Gille was located and formally trespassed from the property.
UPDATE 2:07 p.m. July 28
PETOSKEY — The Petoskey Department of Public Safety reportedly attempted to place a man in protective custody for mental health evaluation just hours before he perpetrated a stabbing attack at a Traverse City Walmart on July 26.
In a news release shared Monday, the department said it had two contacts with Bradford James Gille on the evening of July 24 related to loitering in violation of city ordinances.
Gille, who was known to the department as a person experiencing homelessness, appeared calm and made no threatening remarks, and officers found no legal grounds to detain him at that time.
However, out of concern for Gille’s welfare, Petoskey officers petitioned Emmet County Probate Court the following morning on July 25, for a court order to place him in protective custody for evaluation.
The court granted the order that same day, but police said Gille could not be located despite “diligent efforts” by both Petoskey officers and the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the department, Gille left Emmet County before the court order was issued. He was later identified as the subject involved in the stabbing incident in Grand Traverse County over the weekend. Authorities have not released additional details about the incident.
“The Petoskey Department of Public Safety commends the heroic actions of citizens and first responders during and after the violent incident in Grand Traverse County this weekend,” the department said. “Their quick thinking undoubtedly saved lives, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families.”
The department declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Original story
EMMET COUNTY — The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office says deputies tried to locate a man ordered into custody by a probate court just one day before a deadly incident unfolded in Traverse City.
According to a July 28 news release from the sheriff’s office, around 5 p.m. on Friday, July 25, the sheriff’s office received a court order from the 7th Probate Court of Emmet County directing law enforcement to take Bradford James Gille, 42, into custody.
On July 28, Mackinaw City Police Chief Todd Woods confirmed that officers were called in for a knife threat investigation that involved Gille at a grocery store the other week — but no knife was ever shown.
According to the Emmet County order, Gille was listed as homeless and had no known physical address in Emmet County.
Deputies searched for Gille throughout Friday evening and continued their efforts into Saturday, July 26, during routine patrols, according to the sheriff’s office. Despite their efforts, deputies were unable to locate him.
“Regrettably, less than 24 hours after receiving this order, a tragic series of events occurred in Traverse City,” the department said in a statement, referring to the July 26 incident under investigation. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this devastating situation.”
Officials did not provide further details connecting Gille to the Traverse City case.
The sheriff’s office stated that it remains committed to transparency and accountability as the investigation continues and is committed to sharing further updates as appropriate.