Crime
Graphic Video Shows Moments Shots Fired During Halloween Celebration in Downtown Orlando
That suspect has been identified as 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, who was previously arrested for Grand Theft in 2023.
The suspect, Jaylen Dwayne Edgar (DOB: 09/17/2007), has been charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder with a Firearm and six counts of Attempted First Degree Murder with a Firearm.
The Orlando Police Department has released video footage capturing the shooting incident in Downtown Orlando, along with the arrest of the suspect, Jaylen Dwayne Edgar.
On 11/01/2024, at approximately 1:07 a.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired at Central Blvd. and Orange Ave. Within minutes, a second shooting was witnessed by officers south of Washington Street on Orange Avenue. A total of 8 victims were shot.
Tragically, 2 individuals have been pronounced deceased.
The remaining 6 victims were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) in stable condition. The ages of the victims range from 19 to 39-years-old.
Shortly after the initial shots were reported, a suspect was located by officers on OPD’s Downtown Detail and taken into custody at Washington St. and Orange Ave.
That suspect has been identified as 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, who was previously arrested for Grand Theft in 2023.
In light of this tragic incident, the Orlando Police Department would like to remind the community that safety is our top priority. Nearly 100 officers were patrolling Downtown at the time of the shooting, due to the large crowd expected on Halloween. The Orlando Police Department is also assessing the need for increased patrols Downtown this weekend.
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.