Crime
65-year-old Peter Greco shot and killed by Fargo officers
Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by officers during a police interaction in south Fargo on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The victim has been named as 65-year-old Peter Greco, who was shot after exiting his home armed with a handgun following a prolonged conversation with police.
Incident Overview
According to the Fargo Police Department, officers were dispatched to Greco’s residence in the 6100 block of 61st Avenue South, located about half a mile south of Deer Creek Elementary School, at 10:12 a.m.
The call stemmed from concerns about Greco’s well-being, as he had reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts.
Officers Sgt. Lucas Mock and Officer Princeten Harris engaged in conversation with Greco for more than 30 minutes in an effort to de-escalate the situation.
Despite their efforts, Greco exited the home armed with a handgun. At this point, both officers fired their weapons, fatally striking him.
Emergency medical personnel and Fargo Fire Department units, already on scene due to the nature of the call, immediately rendered aid to Greco. Despite their efforts, Greco was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Backgrounds
The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a use-of-force investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Sgt. Lucas Mock
- Tenure: Joined Fargo Police Department in 2016 as a patrol officer.
- Promotions: Promoted to sergeant in November 2021.
- Roles: Day shift supervisor in the Neighborhood Services Division.
- Additional Duties:
- Commander of the department’s Crowd Management Team.
- Former member of the Red River Valley SWAT team for four years.
- Instructor in the Training and Development Unit.
Officer Princeten Harris
- Tenure: Recently graduated from Fargo Police Academy Class VII.
- Current Status: Completing the Police Training Officer program.
- Experience: On the force for 10 months at the time of the incident.
Community and Department Response
Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski emphasized the efforts made by officers to de-escalate the situation before the fatal shooting.
The department has committed to transparency as the investigation continues.
Next Steps
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a thorough review of the incident, including the officers’ actions and the circumstances leading to the use of force. Both officers will remain on administrative leave until the investigation concludes.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to mental health crises, and authorities are urging anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek help by contacting local resources or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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.