Crime
Kentucky State Police searching for two escaped Blackburn Correctional Inmates
Bradley Cornwell, 40, a white man with black hair, and blue eyes 6’0″, 175 lbs. Adam E. Ball, 38, a white man with blonde hair and blue eyes, 6’3″, 250 lbs.
Kentucky State Police have issued an alert for two inmates, Bradley Cornwell and Adam Ball, who escaped from the Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington.
Authorities believe the pair made their escape together, utilizing a water truck to flee the facility.
According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Cornwell and Ball were last spotted on Sunday at the Shell station on Iron Works Pike, and may be traveling toward Scott County.
The sheriff’s office shared details on their appearances and last-known clothing:
- Adam E. Ball: 38 years old, from Russell Springs, is described as a white male, standing 6’3” and weighing 250 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a full khaki jumpsuit with a khaki hat.
- Bradley E. Cornwell: 40 years old, from Georgetown, is a white male, 6’ tall and 175 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes. Cornwell’s last-known outfit included a white t-shirt, gray sweatpants, white shoes, and a khaki hat.
Law enforcement urges the public not to approach either individual if spotted, as they may be dangerous.
Instead, anyone with information or who believes they have seen these individuals should immediately call 911.
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.