Crime
Andrew Quattrochi arrested in connection with shooting death of 17-year-old Garrett Gearhart at Wawa in Stroudsburg
Authorities have classified the shooting as an isolated incident.
Stroud Area Regional Police have arrested 25-year-old Andrew Quattrochi of Bushkill in connection with the shooting death of 17-year-old Garrett Gearhart at a Wawa in Stroudsburg.
According to an official release, the Stroud Area Regional Police Department responded to multiple reports of a shooting at the Wawa located on West Main Street shortly after 8:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Garrett Sorrenti suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck.
Police administered lifesaving measures until emergency medical services arrived.
Despite these efforts, Sorrenti succumbed to his injuries at Lehigh Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased just before 11:00 p.m. by the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident began as a verbal altercation inside the store, which escalated into a physical confrontation involving multiple individuals.
During the altercation, the suspect allegedly produced a handgun and fired a single shot before fleeing the scene.
Authorities have classified the shooting as an isolated incident.
An autopsy is scheduled later this week to confirm the exact cause of death.
The Stroud Area Regional Police Department is leading the investigation and encourages anyone with information to come forward. The investigation remains ongoing.
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.