Crime
Broomfield Police Investigating Fatal Shooting at Arista Flats, Suspect in Custody
Broomfield, CO – The Broomfield Police Department is continuing to investigate a shooting incident that occurred early Thursday morning at the Arista Flats Apartments located at Central Court and Colony Row in Broomfield.
Officers were dispatched to the complex at approximately 6:30 AM in response to a disturbance call. Upon arrival, officers heard a man yelling inside one of the units. Shortly after, the suspect began firing shots at officers, into neighboring apartments, and into the parking lot.
A reverse emergency notification (LookOut Alert) was sent to nearby residents, advising them to shelter-in-place. Several units were evacuated as a precaution.
Tragically, a female victim who was inside the unit with the suspect succumbed to a gunshot wound after being transported to a local hospital. Her identity will be released at a later time by the Broomfield and Adams County Coroner.
The 34-year-old male suspect was shot by law enforcement officers before being arrested. He was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and faces pending charges. Multiple law enforcement officers sustained minor injuries and were treated and released.
Several officers fired their weapons during the incident. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) of the 17th Judicial District is now investigating the shooting and has placed the involved officers on administrative leave per department policy.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will not be released at this time to preserve the integrity of the process.
Due to the extensive nature of the crime scene, roads and buildings in the area may remain closed for several hours. Impacted residents who have not been able to return to their units are encouraged to seek assistance and information at the Broomfield Community Center located at 280 Spader Way.
The police department is requesting that residents report any items or damage related to the crime when returning to their homes or vehicles by calling the non-emergency line at 303-438-6400.
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.