Crime
Southeast Houston Family in Fear After Targeted Shooting Leaves One Injured
According to the family, their home was one of two targeted in a series of reckless attacks by a group of individuals.
A local family is living in fear after a terrifying shooting incident left one of their loved ones critically injured. The incident occurred in the Southeast Houston neighborhood of S Richey and Forest Oaks Drive.
The shooting took place late last night, resulting in a barrage of gunfire that damaged multiple homes and vehicles in the residential area.
Bullet holes were found near a child’s bedroom, highlighting the grave danger posed to the families living there.
According to the family, their home was one of two targeted in a series of reckless attacks by a group of individuals.
The victim, who was inside the house at the time, was struck in the back by a bullet that exited through his chest. He also sustained a graze wound to his forehead. Despite the severity of his injuries, he is expected to recover fully.
The family expressed immense gratitude for their loved one’s survival, acknowledging the trauma of the experience. They are struggling to understand the motive behind the attack, as no one in the house has any known conflicts with others.
Photos of the home’s interior reveal the extensive damage caused by the gunfire. The family is now terrified to return home, fearing further violence from the suspects who may be aware of the police investigation.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident and working to identify the perpetrators.
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.