Crime
Weirton 13-Year-Old Arrested on Terrorist Threats Charge
The juvenile will be charged with the felony offense of “Threatening a Terroristic Act” and will face prosecution accordingly.
Weirton, WV – A 13-year-old female student from the 7th grade has been arrested on one count of felony Terrorist Threats, according to the Weirton Police Department.
The charge stems from a social media post where individual students were threatened. The juvenile is currently being held at a juvenile detention facility and is scheduled to be arraigned in Hancock County Magistrate Court on Friday.
Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney Steven E. Dragisich released a statement regarding the incident, stating that on or about September 11, 2024, the following message was posted on Snapchat: “I am coming for you guys. This is more people on my list.” The post then listed seven juveniles who attend Weir Middle School. Additionally, references to “shooting up” Weir Middle School were made in the conversation section of the same Snapchat account and were shared with multiple students.
Following a thorough investigation by the Weirton Police Department, the juvenile responsible for the threats was detained. The juvenile will be charged with the felony offense of “Threatening a Terroristic Act” and will face prosecution accordingly.
Prosecutor Dragisich expressed gratitude to the Weirton Police Department, the Hancock County Board of Education, and the Hancock County Prosecutors Office for their dedication and efforts in identifying and apprehending the juvenile.
The Weirton Police Department worked closely with the Hancock County Prosecutors Office and the Hancock County Board of Education during the 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.