Crime
5 injured in bomb explosion at Santa Maria Superior Court in California, suspect in custody
No injuries reported.
Santa Maria, CA – A powerful explosion occurred at the Santa Barbara County Superior Courthouse in Santa Maria on Wednesday morning, resulting in injuries and the closure of the courthouse and nearby government buildings.
According to Santa Barbara County Sheriff spokesperson Raquel Zick, the explosion was caused by an intentionally set improvised explosive device. Five individuals were injured and transported to Marian Regional Medical Center, where they are receiving treatment. Three patients are in fair condition, while two are in good condition.
A suspect has been detained and is currently being interviewed by law enforcement. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Due to the ongoing investigation, roads surrounding the courthouse are closed, and the public is urged to avoid the area. In addition to the Superior Courthouse, Santa Maria City Hall, the public library, and other city offices have been closed for the day.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which provides courthouse security in Los Angeles County, has increased security measures in response to the incident but has not identified any credible threats in their jurisdiction.
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.