Crime
13-Year-Old Arrested for Making Threat Against Moss Bluff Middle School
A 13-year-old student at Moss Bluff Middle School was arrested on Thursday, October 10th, after making threats of violence against the school.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call at approximately 8:45 AM regarding the threat.
During the investigation, it was determined that the suspect had made statements indicating their intent to “be the next school shooter.”
Detectives identified the suspect and, after further investigation, confirmed that the individual had indeed made the threatening statements.
The juvenile was taken into custody and booked into the Juvenile Detention Center on charges of terrorizing.
Detective William Vaughan of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into this incident.
The Calcasieu Parish School Board provided assistance to law enforcement during the investigation.
It is important to note that an arrest is merely an indication that probable cause exists to believe the suspect was involved in the alleged offense.
The individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.