Crime
1 killed after shooting near Atlas Prep School in south Colorado Springs over field
UPDATE: In a Facebook post, Atlas Schools CEO Brittney Stroh addressed a recent incident that occurred on the school’s grounds.
She explained that the school rents its sports facilities to external groups and that a tragic fight broke out during one of these games.
Stroh clarified that neither Atlas nor its students were involved and expressed condolences to the affected individuals.
She also stated that the Colorado Springs Police Department is investigating the incident and that Atlas would share updates as appropriate.
Local businesses in southeast Colorado Springs are reporting a significant police presence near Atlas High School.
Employees at South Colorado Springs Nissan and Specialty Sports and Supply have observed numerous law enforcement officers in the area on Saturday afternoon.
Although the specific nature of the incident remains unclear, the Colorado Springs Police Department has confirmed that they responded to a report of a possible shooting.
Parents reported that a football game was taking place when the police arrived. According to the police, the initial call was regarding a shooting.
Tammy Whaley told Channel2 NOW, “My son was about 30 feet away, getting ready to start his football game, when he and his team heard and saw what happened. Our coach was performing CPR, and the shooter escaped.”
Atlas Preparatory School reported a deadly fight that took place on Saturday between members of an athletic club using the school’s field.
However, further details are currently limited.
As the investigation unfolds, updates will be provided regarding the situation.
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.