Crime
Russell County Deputy Joshua Phipps killed in the line of duty
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, and the community is mourning the loss of Deputy Phipps.
Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps was tragically killed in the line of duty on Monday night, according to the Russell County Fiscal Court.
The incident occurred on Bluebird Drive in Russell County, involving a lone shooter.
Deputy Phipps was fatally shot while responding as backup during an active shooter incident. He was transported to Russell County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
There is no ongoing threat to the public.
The region is mourning the loss of Russell County Deputy Josh Phipps, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on Monday. The city of Russell Springs was placed on lockdown following an active shooter situation.
While specific details about the incident are still being released, the Russell County Fiscal Court confirmed Deputy Phipps’ death around 9:40 PM. Phipps was originally from Adair County and the son of local residents Pam and Donnie Phipps.
Adair County Sheriff Josh Brockman traveled to Russell County to assist in the investigation and was among the officers who responded to Deputy Phipps’ aid.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, and the community is mourning the loss of Deputy Phipps.
The body of Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps is being escorted to the medical examiner’s office in Frankfort.
Emergency personnel along the route have planned to show their respects to the fallen officer as the convoy passes through.
Messages of condolence and support have poured in from local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and the city of Russell Springs.
Attorney General Russell Coleman released the following statement tonight regarding Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps:
“Tonight, Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps ended his watch to his county and his Commonwealth. All Kentucky mourns his loss and honors his selfless sacrifice. Along with Deputy Phipps’ brothers and sisters in uniform across Kentucky and the nation, we send our prayers and condolences to his family and colleagues.”
“The full resources of the Office of the Attorney General and our Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are ready to support the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and this community during this tragic time.”
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.