Crime
No active threat found at San Marcos High School, campus given all clear
SMPD has confirmed there is no active threat on campus at this time.
Here’s what we know:
- San Marcos Police responded to reports of an active shooter at San Marcos High School at 3:32 PM.
- A single caller reported seeing a male with a gun in the hallway.
- There are no confirmed reports of shots fired or injuries at this time.
Current Actions:
- All hallways have been searched.
- Police are conducting a room-by-room search of the entire campus.
- All students and staff are safe and accounted for, following established safety protocols.
Next Steps:
- San Marcos CISD will provide information on student dismissal through their website: https://www.smcisd.net/Page/6273
- Detectives will investigate the source of the report, including identifying the caller and any potential witnesses.
UPDATE: San Marcos High School has been given the all-clear after a brief lockdown due to a reported threat. There is no longer any danger to students or staff.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — San Marcos Police Department is currently investigating reports of an active attack at San Marcos High School. The incident was reported around 4 p.m.
San Marcos CISD has confirmed that the school is on lockdown, and no one is allowed to enter or exit the campus while the investigation is underway. There is a significant increase in police presence in the area.
San Marcos CISD reports that all students and staff have been accounted for and are currently following the school’s safety protocols.
Juan Miguel Arredondo stated, “I want to take a moment to address concerns regarding an incident at San Marcos High School. After speaking with Superintendent Dr. Cardona, I can confirm that the situation is under control, and the safety of our students continues to be our highest priority. Initial investigations indicate that the call in question may have been anonymous or possibly a prank. The ISD will be releasing an official statement soon. I’ve received numerous calls and messages, and I want to reassure our community that everything is being handled swiftly and with care.”
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.