Crime
John Herbert Sawchak arrested and charged in connection to shooting his neighbor Davis Moturi in the neck
The shooting followed a series of escalating incidents involving harassment and threats.
A 54-year-old Minneapolis man, John Herbert Sawchak, was arrested early Monday morning after a standoff with police.
Sawchak is accused of shooting his neighbor, Davis Moturi, 34, in the neck on October 23rd.
The shooting followed a series of escalating incidents involving harassment and threats.
Despite multiple complaints from Moturi, police had been hesitant to take immediate action due to concerns about Sawchak’s mental health and the potential risks involved in an arrest.
The standoff between Sawchak and police lasted for five hours before he surrendered peacefully.
Police used a loudspeaker to urge him to surrender and threatened the use of gas if necessary.
Following his arrest, Sawchak was charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, felony harassment, and stalking.
The charges were enhanced to reflect the racially motivated nature of the attack.
The incident has raised questions about the police department’s response to domestic disturbances and the challenges of addressing individuals with mental health issues.
While the police chief defended the department’s actions, the case has sparked public outrage and calls for increased accountability.
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.