Crime
GCSO deputies shot suspect in active shooter incident at Gwinnett County Jail in Georgia
Gwinnett County, Georgia (October 7, 2024) – Sheriff Keybo Taylor held a press conference to provide an update on the active shooter incident that occurred at the Gwinnett County Jail earlier in the day.
Key details from the press conference include:
- Subject’s Background: The individual involved in the shooting had previous encounters with law enforcement and was exhibiting erratic behavior prior to arriving at the Gwinnett Justice Administration Center (GJAC).
- Law Enforcement Interaction: The subject’s recent contact with local law enforcement officials is still being confirmed.
- Incident Timeline: Upon arriving at the jail, the subject was confronted by Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) deputies. After exiting the building, the subject returned to their vehicle, retrieved a firearm, and opened fire on the deputies.
- Officer Response: GCSO deputies immediately returned fire and shot the subject.
- Medical Treatment: The subject was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
- Public Safety: Sheriff Taylor assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety and commended the deputies for their swift and decisive response.
- Investigation: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has taken over the investigation, and the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will provide updates on when normal operations will resume.
Original Statement:
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the active shooter situation at the jail earlier in the day. New intakes were temporarily halted, and all traffic approaching the jail was redirected.
The sheriff’s office assured the community that the situation was under control and there was no threat to public safety.
The investigation was ongoing, and the public was encouraged to follow official social media channels for updates.
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.