Crime
Weapons found at Lamar High School in Houston, 2 students charged
Both students are facing serious charges related to the possession of weapons on school grounds.
Two students at Lamar High School in Houston were arrested on Tuesday morning after being found in possession of weapons on campus.
School administrators received a tip that a student may be attempting to bring a gun to school.
After a brief off-campus pursuit, the student was apprehended, and a weapon was recovered.
Shortly thereafter, another student was found to be in possession of a weapon. This student was also arrested and charged with a felony.
Both students are facing serious charges related to the possession of weapons on school grounds.
Here’s is the full message that was sent to parents:
All students and staff are safe, but I do need to make our school community aware of a serious safety incident that occurred this morning. Our campus administration was made aware that a student may attempt to bring a gun to school this morning. HISD PD responded immediately and, after a brief off-campus pursuit, police were able to locate the weapon and detain the student.
Administration suspected that another student may also be in possession of a weapon. The student was searched by HISD police on campus and a weapon was confiscated. Both students will be assigned disciplinary actions aligned with the Texas Education Code and have been charged with a felony criminal offense by the District Attorney (DA).
HISD takes every threat to campus safety seriously and works closely with local law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and take necessary actions to ensure the safety of all students and staff. As an added precautionary measure, we will have increased on-campus patrols and will be wanding all students with hand-held metal detectors during morning arrival until we are confident this has been resolved.
Students may experience a short delay at entry. All students should enter at the Transit Center or on the 2nd level from the garage. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority.
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.