Crime
23-year-old Rayshun Bates killed in off-duty officer-involved shooting at Twin Peaks in Huntsville
Three other people were also injured and are still being evaluated at this time.
A tragic incident occurred at Twin Peaks on University Drive in Huntsville’s MidCity District late Saturday night, where a 23-year-old man, Rayshun Bates, was killed, and three others were injured in an off-duty officer-involved shooting.
Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles reported that the situation began when a fight broke out between two groups at the restaurant.
The altercation escalated, leading to the involvement of an off-duty Huntsville Police Department (HPD) officer, who discharged their weapon during the incident.
The Madison County Coroner, Tyler Berryhill, confirmed on Sunday morning that Bates, who sustained gunshot injuries at the scene, had unfortunately passed away.
An autopsy is scheduled to take place in Huntsville later in the week to provide further details.
While Chief Giles did not provide specific updates on the conditions of the other individuals shot, it was reported that a total of four people were transported to Huntsville Hospital Trauma Services for treatment.
According to HEMSI (Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc.) spokesperson Don Webster, the shooting was reported around 9:50 p.m. and one person remains in critical condition while the others are still undergoing evaluation.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has taken over the investigation and is working to gather evidence and understand the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome. Further updates are expected as ALEA proceeds with its investigation.
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.