Crime
16-Year-Old Deltona High School Student Posts Photo of Glock and Threat After Xbox Gaming Dispute
A 16-year-old student at Deltona High School was taken into custody after posting a threatening message and an image of a firearm on his Xbox account.
The incident came to the attention of authorities through a Fortify Florida tip received around 1 p.m.
The student, who was engaged in online gaming at the time, expressed frustration with other players and decided to share the threatening post.
While the Glock photo was determined to be downloaded from the internet and the student does not possess a firearm, the threat was taken seriously due to recent school shooting incidents.
The student has been charged with making a written threat to kill, a felony.
Additionally, he has expressed thoughts of self-harm, prompting authorities to arrange for a mental health evaluation and necessary services.
Local law enforcement officials are urging parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity, including social media, gaming platforms, and other digital spaces.
They emphasize the importance of parental intervention to address potential issues and prevent harmful behaviors.
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.