Crime
45-year-old Michael Liberta accused of making threats to Troy Elementary School in Vermont
Troy, Vermont – Vermont State Police have released the name of the individual who made threatening statements against personnel at Troy Elementary School, resulting in two school lockdowns.
Michael Liberta, 45, of Troy, is accused of calling the school on September 12 and making life-threatening statements directed at staff members and others.
While Liberta did not physically enter the school grounds that day, the superintendent deemed the threats serious enough to initiate a lockdown and maintain a police presence on-site.
It was revealed that Liberta had also been involved in a previous incident on September 4, which led to a school lockdown. On that occasion, he arrived at the school in an agitated state due to an issue involving his child.
Liberta now faces a charge of disturbing the peace by electronic communication and is scheduled to appear in court on October 15.
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.