Crime
28-year-old Demetrious Tankhamvang killed after shooting in Rochester
The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal shooting in northwest Rochester early Saturday morning as 28-year-old Demetrious Antonio Tankhamvang.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Manorwoods Drive NW.
According to the Rochester Police Department (RPD), Tankhamvang was allegedly shot while attempting to enter the home of someone he knew.
The homeowner called 911 shortly after the incident, reporting that he had shot Tankhamvang, who had entered the residence and assaulted him.
Authorities arrived at the scene, where Tankhamvang was pronounced dead.
RPD Captain Paul Gronholz stated that the individual involved in the shooting was taken into custody for questioning but later released. Gronholz emphasized that there is no immediate threat to the neighborhood but urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“There is no specific threat to that community in that neighborhood,” Gronholz said. “However, I want to reiterate that everyone should stay alert to potential crime in the community and promptly contact the police if they observe anything concerning.”
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
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.