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I-75 shooting in Kentucky was a ‘Planned Attack’ by suspect Joseph Couch, Laurel County sheriff’s department confirms

He was released just last month on a $1000 bond for terrorist threats.

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The Laurel County Sheriff’s Department has stated that yesterday’s mass shooting in northern Laurel County was a premeditated attack perpetrated by suspect Joseph Couch.

Authorities are actively searching for 32-year-old Joseph Couch, who is now considered a suspect in the mass shooting in Laurel County. A multi-agency effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement is underway.

Laurel County Schools Closed Due to Safety Concerns. As a precautionary measure, all Laurel County schools will be closed on Monday, September 9, 2024, due to ongoing safety concerns related to the recent active shooter incident.”

The priority is to apprehend Couch before nightfall. If this proves unsuccessful, the search will be temporarily suspended overnight due to safety concerns within the wooded area.

Authorities believe Couch remains in the vicinity of the shooting. An AR-style rifle and a cell phone have been recovered near Exit 49 on Interstate 75.

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Local schools are in close communication with law enforcement. Laurel County has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday.

The shooting is believed to be a random act and is not connected to road rage. Nine vehicles were struck by gunfire, resulting in injuries to five individuals. No fatalities have been reported.

Limited information is currently available about Couch. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has any military background. His criminal record is relatively minor, with no prior incidents of this magnitude.

Law enforcement acknowledges the possibility that Couch may be deceased but remains focused on locating him, regardless of the outcome.

Authorities describe Couch as “committed” and continue to investigate his motive for the shooting.

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Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia

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Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia 1300 block of Walnut Street

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.

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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.”

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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.


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