Crime
Lockdown at East Hampton Middle School lifted, no threat found
A middle-aged woman has made credible threats of violence against the schools
UPDATE: The East Hampton Police Department responded to a reported threat at the Middle School, prompting a precautionary lockdown and thorough search of the premises.
After a careful evaluation, the lockdown was lifted as the threat was determined to be unsubstantiated.
Due to the incident, parents and guardians should anticipate delays during the school pickup process. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details will be released at this time.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A serious threat has prompted a full lockdown at the East Hampton High School and elevated security measures at other schools in the district.
Local residents have been advised to shelter in place while law enforcement agencies, including the Connecticut State Police, respond to the incident.
The high school is currently on lockdown, while the middle and elementary schools are operating under heightened threat conditions.
Police officers have been deployed to all schools, and a canine unit has been requested to search the premises for a potential active shooter.
According to authorities, a middle-aged woman has made credible threats of violence against the schools, prompting the immediate response from law enforcement.
The situation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become 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.