Crime
Police Incident Shuts Down I-77 in North Canton Amid Active Shooting Situation
A section of Interstate 77 in Stark County that was closed on Sunday afternoon has reopened, according to the Jackson Township Police Department.
The closure was prompted by a law enforcement operation involving the U.S. Marshals Service.
Timeline of Events
- Start of Operation:
Jackson Township Police Chief Mark Brink reported that the U.S. Marshals Service initiated a law enforcement operation in the 6800 block of Sunset Strip N.W. in Jackson Township around 11 a.m. - Incident Location:
The operation centered around the Roadway Inn, located at 6880 Sunset Strip Avenue. According to an employee at the motel, authorities appeared to be targeting a specific individual for arrest. - Gunfire Reported:
During the encounter, shots were fired, and part of the incident was captured on camera by a witness. - SWAT Involvement:
The Canton Regional SWAT team and Canton Police officers also responded to the scene in a SWAT capacity. Their presence ensured public safety and assisted in resolving the situation. - Nearby Business Lockdown:
The Cracker Barrel restaurant, located at 6940 Sunset Strip Avenue, was temporarily placed on lockdown during the operation. The restaurant has since reopened, and normal activities have resumed in the area.
Traffic and Public Safety
The temporary closure of I-77 caused significant traffic disruptions as law enforcement secured the scene. However, the highway was reopened later in the day after the situation was brought under control.
Investigation Ongoing
Details surrounding the law enforcement operation, including the identity of the individual involved and any arrests made, have not yet been disclosed. The incident remains under investigation by local and federal authorities.
Residents and businesses in the area have been advised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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.