Crime
Anthony Rome Harlin Jr killed after shooting on east side of Indianapolis
A shooting on Indianapolis’ east side Monday night resulted in the death of a man, identified as Anthony Rome Harlin Jr .
Officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to reports of a person shot in the 8700 block of East Washington Street around 6 p.m.
Upon arrival, they found Anthony suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders transported Anthony to a nearby hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The incident occurred at a Phillips 66 gas station, as determined by investigative crews.
IMPD homicide detectives, along with the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency and the Marion County Coroner’s Office, are working together on the case.
The coroner’s office is expected to confirm the identity of the deceased following proper notification of his family.
IMPD has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Detective Douglas Swails can be reached at (317) 327-3475 or via email at Douglas.Swails@indy.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana by calling (317) 262-8477, using the P3Tips mobile app, or visiting www.CrimeTips.org.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and are appealing for community assistance to solve the case.
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.