Crime
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs arrested by federal agents in Manhattan, New York City
Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested by federal authorities in New York on Monday night, according to multiple law enforcement sources. The arrest is related to an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
Combs has been the subject of several sexual abuse and physical violence allegations in recent months. In March, his homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided as part of a potential sex trafficking investigation, though no charges were filed at the time.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced the arrest and stated that they would be unsealing the indictment the following morning. Homeland Security Investigations declined to comment.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, denied the allegations and described Combs as an innocent man who is cooperating with the investigation. He said that Combs had voluntarily relocated to New York in anticipation of the charges.
In recent months, Combs has faced multiple lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, abuse, and violence. He and his representatives have consistently denied these accusations.
In May, Combs apologized for a security video that showed him attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. He acknowledged that his behavior was “inexcusable” and took full responsibility.
In November 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of rape and abuse during their relationship. Combs denied these allegations, and the parties subsequently reached a settlement.
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.