Crime
24-year-old Saiveon Hopkins killed after shooting in Lincoln
The Lincoln Police Department is currently investigating three separate shooting incidents that occurred in the city on Sunday, September 8th. At this time, there is no indication that these incidents are connected.
In the early morning hours, around 1:30 AM, officers downtown were alerted to a disturbance near North 11th and O streets.
Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for emergency medical care.
Sadly, a 24-year-old Lincoln man succumbed to his injuries.
He has been identified as Saiveon Hopkins, according to a GoFundMe campaign and an adult film production company.
The other victim, a man in his forties, is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
The Lincoln Police Department is urging anyone with information or video footage related to the shooting to contact the non-emergency number at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600 if they wish to remain anonymous.
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.