Crime
23-year-old Nickqurious Hooks dies 2 days after Montgomery shooting
At this time, the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
A 23-year-old Montgomery man has succumbed to injuries sustained in a Wednesday shooting, authorities confirmed.
The victim, identified as Nickqurious Hooks, was critically wounded in the incident and passed away on Friday, according to Montgomery Police Major Saba Coleman. Hooks lived in Montgomery.
Emergency responders were dispatched at 11:02 a.m. on Wednesday to the 3400 block of Harris Street following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers and medics found Hooks suffering from critical injuries.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated but ultimately succumbed to his injuries two days later.
At this time, the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be provided by contacting the Montgomery Police Department at 334-625-2831, the Secret Witness tip line at 334-625-4000, or Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP. All tips can remain anonymous.
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.