Crime
33-year-old Lacresha Black shot and killed outside her home in Springfield Township, suspect Terea Brown dead
Officials have not yet determined whether Brown was killed by police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
Authorities have released details regarding a tragic series of events that began with a fatal shooting in Springfield Township early Monday morning and ended with the death of the suspect after a police pursuit in Indiana.
Springfield Township Police responded to a report of gunfire on Lincoln Avenue around 6:00 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 33-year-old Lacresha Black lying outside her home with multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, Black was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators quickly identified the suspect as 42-year-old Terea Brown.
According to police, Brown fled the scene before officers arrived.
A description of her and her vehicle was immediately broadcast to law enforcement agencies in the region.
The investigation revealed that Brown had traveled to Clinton County, Indiana.
There, she became involved in a high-speed chase with Indiana State Police. The pursuit, which began on the interstate, ended near a gas station off the State Road 28 exit.
During the confrontation, at least one gunshot was fired from Brown’s vehicle, prompting troopers to return fire. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene following the exchange of gunfire.
Officials have not yet determined whether Brown was killed by police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
An Indiana State Police (ISP) spokesperson reported that no troopers were injured during the incident and confirmed that investigators are working to determine who fired the initial shot.
The Springfield Township Police Department and the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigation Division are conducting separate investigations into the events.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the Springfield Township shooting or the subsequent pursuit to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Springfield Township Police Department at 513-729-1300 or the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigation Division at 765-567-2125.
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.