Crime
41-year-old Carlos Yarbrough killed in Lonsdale shooting
UPDATE: The victim of the shooting that happened late Tuesday night in the area of Minnesota Avenue and Pascal Drive has been identified as Carlos Yarbrough, 41 of Knoxville.
He was also known as Carlos Cortez.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a deadly shooting that happened late Tuesday night in northwest Knoxville.
At around 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, KPD officers responded to a parking lot in the area of Minnesota Avenue and Pascal Drive to investigate a reported shooting.
Officers arrived on scene and found a 41-year-old man who had been shot at least one time.
The victim was transported to the UT Medical Center emergency room, where he died as a result of his injuries.
KPD Homicide Unit detectives and crime scene technicians responded to the scene.
At this time, no suspects have been arrested or charged, and the investigation remains in the early stages.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward.
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.