Crime
3 killed following string of shootings across Houston and Harris County
A series of violent incidents across Houston and Harris County on Saturday night and early Sunday morning has left four people dead and others injured.
Tequila B’s Shooting
The first incident occurred around 2:45 AM at Tequila B’s bar on the North Freeway.
Multiple suspects opened fire on a crowd of people leaving the bar, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
One victim, an employee of the bar, was pronounced dead at the scene, while another was critically injured and remains hospitalized.
Halloween Party Shooting
A second shooting took place at a Halloween party in the 11900 block of Bissonnet near Kirkwood Road around 1 AM.
A disturbance at the party escalated into gunfire, leaving one man dead at the scene.
Harris County Shooting
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a separate fatal shooting that occurred at a party late Saturday night.
A young male victim was shot and later died from their injuries.
No arrests have been made in any of these incidents, and the investigations are ongoing.
The Houston Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in their investigations.
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.