Crime
Suspected Burglar Killed in Shootout at Smyrna Gun Store
Two Smyrna police officers were injured during the shootout but are expected to survive.
A suspected burglar was fatally shot during a shootout with Smyrna and Cobb County police officers at Adventure Outdoors, a gun store on South Cobb Drive.
According to Smyrna Police Chief Keith Zgonc, multiple 911 calls were received around midnight reporting a burglary at the store and shots fired nearby. When officers arrived, they were met with gunfire from the suspect inside the store. An exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the suspect’s death.
Two Smyrna police officers were injured during the shootout but are expected to survive. A SWAT team was deployed to secure the store and ensure there were no other individuals inside.
The motive behind the burglary remains under investigation. The suspect’s identity has not been released, and his body will be sent to the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to review the use of force by the officers involved, which is standard procedure in such incidents.
Adventure Outdoors is known as the world’s largest gun store.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
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.