Crime
Houston Police Seeking Help to identify suspect in shooting death of 23-year-old Austin Pham
The suspect is described as a male wearing a white T-shirt and is believed to have been driving a gray SUV, possibly a Ford Escape.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) is urging the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect involved in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Austin Pham.
The shooting occurred on September 14th at West Oaks Plaza Drive.
Officers responded to the scene and found Pham with multiple gunshot wounds.
He was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect is described as a male wearing a white T-shirt and is believed to have been driving a gray SUV, possibly a Ford Escape.
Surveillance footage of the suspect and vehicle is available.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Your assistance is crucial in helping bring justice for Austin Pham and his family.
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.