Crime
Tescari Paolo killed after shooting near Santa Fe Plaza in Temple, suspect detained
Temple Police Department assured the public that there is no ongoing threat related to this incident.
A fatal shooting took place Thursday morning near Santa Fe Plaza in Temple, Texas, claiming the life of Tescari Paolo.
According to Temple Police, the incident began around 8 a.m. when an officer near Santa Fe Plaza, in the vicinity of 7th Street and Avenue A, was alerted by a passerby to a situation involving Paolo and an unidentified suspect who fled the scene in a vehicle.
The officer immediately relayed the suspect’s description and vehicle details to dispatch.
Shortly afterward, a constable in the area located and detained the suspect.
Responding officers performed life-saving measures on Paolo at the scene; however, despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Wilkey at 8:24 a.m.
Temple Police Department assured the public that there is no ongoing threat related to this incident.
They are actively seeking additional information to aid the investigation.
Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact Temple Police at 254-298-5500. Those preferring to remain anonymous may also reach out to Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
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.