Crime
15-year-old Warren Grant, Joppatowne High School student killed after being shot in the chest
A tragic incident occurred at Joppatowne High School, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old student. Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler identified the victim as Warren Curtis Grant, of Edgewood.
The shooting took place around 12:36 PM, prompting a response from law enforcement. While initial reports suggested an active shooter situation, authorities later determined that the incident involved two students.
A 16-year-old classmate, who was on his first day at Joppatowne High School, fired a single gunshot at the 15-year-old victim in a school bathroom.
The victim was immediately attended to by school nurses and transported to a hospital, where they tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The Harford County Public Schools Superintendent, Sean Bulson, expressed deep sorrow for the victim’s family and the devastating circumstances surrounding the incident. He emphasized that such tragedies should never occur in schools.
The 16-year-old suspect fled the school after the shooting but was apprehended within minutes at a nearby apartment complex. However, the weapon used in the crime has yet to be recovered.
The suspect will be charged as an adult, and the motive for the shooting remains under investigation. The sheriff revealed that the suspect was known to law enforcement, having been involved in previous incidents. While the sheriff couldn’t confirm if the suspect had a juvenile criminal record, he acknowledged that there had been multiple reports and investigations involving the individual.
Harford County Executive Cassilly Statement on Joppatowne High School Shooting
Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly issued the following statement on today’s tragic shooting at Joppatowne High School.
“On Tuesday, many of us joined the Joppatowne High School community to welcome students back for the first day of school. Now, three days later, we returned to the school to mourn the senseless loss of a young life.
Harford County is shocked and saddened by the terrible act of violence committed by one student against another, resulting in the death of 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant. I would like to thank our first responders, courageous school staff, and the community members who came together to render aid to the victim and to assist law enforcement. Our hearts are broken for Warren’s family and friends as we pray for healing and peace in our community.”
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.