BURLINGTON, N.C. – A quiet Sunday morning turned violent at a Walmart in Burlington, North Carolina — and it could’ve happened to anyone. As shoppers prepared for a typical start to their day, an unprovoked stabbing inside the store left one man hospitalized and another behind bars.
What We Know So Far
- Burlington Police responded to a stabbing at the Walmart Supercenter on Garden Road around 6:45 a.m. Sunday.
- Officers found Christopher Lee Oakes, 45, suffering from serious injuries and immediately rendered aid.
- Oakes was rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition, according to police.
- The suspect, Richard Robert Mass-Blakely, 24, of Burlington, was arrested on the scene.
- He is charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill, Inflicting Serious Injury.
- Authorities confirmed that the suspect and victim did not know each other before the incident.
- Mass-Blakely is being held in the Alamance County Jail with no bond.
What It Means for Burlington Residents
This incident has rattled many in Burlington, especially those who frequent the Walmart on Garden Road — a central spot for shopping and daily errands.
Local residents may feel less secure knowing the attack appeared to be random and unprovoked.
Police say this was an isolated incident, but community members are encouraged to remain alert in public spaces.
“This could have happened to anyone,” a Burlington officer noted. “Awareness is key in keeping yourself safe.”
What You Should Watch For or What You Can Do Now
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in early morning or low-traffic hours.
- If you see suspicious behavior, report it immediately to store personnel or call 911.
- The Walmart at 3141 Garden Road remains open, but expect increased security presence in the coming days.
- If you witnessed the incident or have additional information, contact the Burlington Police Department.
Stay informed, stay safe — and check out our guide on how to respond during unexpected public emergencies.
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
