Crime
Shooting Leaves Three Seriously Injured Near Village Dr. in Fayetteville
A shooting incident occurred outside Manhattan Deli in Fayetteville, North Carolina, just before midnight on Monday.
The incident resulted in three individuals being wounded.
The Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) is investigating the matter and reviewing surveillance footage from the deli to gather more information.
According to the deli owner, a group of individuals entered the store and engaged in a verbal altercation, which escalated into gunfire outside.
At least two individuals were involved in the exchange of gunfire in the parking lot.
The FPD has confirmed that three people were injured and transported to Cape Fear Valley Hospital. One of the victims is listed in critical condition.
A 17-year-old has been charged in connection with the shooting, facing charges including attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a handgun by a minor. It remains unclear if the teen was among those injured in the incident.
Authorities believe that the shooting was not a random act and are continuing their investigation to gather further details and identify any additional suspects involved.
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.