Crime
Trion City Schools on hard lockdown after report of a gun on campus
The sheriff reassured the community that the situation is under control and that there is no immediate danger.
Trion City Schools are currently under full lockdown due to a vague text message received by a student claiming the presence of a gun on campus.
Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader confirmed that the sender of the text has been identified and attends a school outside the county. The individual is currently being interviewed by law enforcement officials.
Sheriff Schrader emphasized the lack of specific details in the threat but explained that the decision to lockdown the school was made as a precautionary measure to allow for a thorough search of the grounds. As of 9:37 AM, the search is still underway.
The sheriff reassured the community that the situation is under control and that there is no immediate danger.
Parents and guardians are advised to remain calm and await updates from school and law enforcement officials.
The safety of students and staff remains the top priority as authorities continue their investigation.
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.