Crime
All-clear given after suspicious Tesla prompts temporary evacuation of American Dream mall
The American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey was temporarily evacuated on Tuesday evening due to a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking garage.
According to Sergeant Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police, mall security observed a Tesla parked on the ground level of the C parking deck with the driver’s side door left open and unattended.
A K-9 sweep of the vehicle resulted in a positive alert, prompting the evacuation of the mall as a precautionary measure.
Additional K-9 units from Bergen County and the NJSP were brought in to conduct further sweeps, which also resulted in positive alerts.
The New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit and Bergen County Bomb Unit responded to the scene and thoroughly examined the vehicle, finding no indication of any explosive devices.
Following the thorough investigation, the mall was reopened to all employees and shoppers.
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.