Crime
Clara Blaxton found dead inside truck in Crystal City, suspect Jarrett Cousins shot by police
A tragic and chaotic series of events unfolded late Sunday morning in Crystal City, Missouri, culminating in the discovery of a woman dead inside a pickup truck and the shooting of a man by police after he pointed weapons at officers.
The incident began around 11 a.m. when Festus police responded to reports of gunfire near a White Castle restaurant on Highway A near Interstate 55, according to Festus Police Chief Doug Wendel. Officers quickly identified a Dodge Ram pickup truck, believed to be connected to the shooting, and pursued it as it traveled east toward Crystal City.
Officers from Festus and Crystal City attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver, later identified as Jarrett Cousins, continued south on South Truman Parkway.
The truck eventually struck a concrete median, spinning out and coming to a stop.
Crystal City Police Chief Chad Helms reported that Cousins exited the vehicle wearing body armor and wielding multiple firearms.
Eyewitnesses described the tense moments that followed, with one witness noting that Cousins initially pointed two pistols at his head before firing them without injuring himself.
“He was yelling and acting erratic,” the witness said, requesting anonymity due to safety concerns.
Officers repeatedly ordered Cousins to drop his weapons. Cell phone footage from the witness captured Cousins pointing a firearm in the direction of officers, prompting them to open fire.
Cousins collapsed to the ground but got up again, pointing a gun at officers a second time. Police fired additional shots, eventually subduing him.
“It’s my understanding that the suspect fired shots during this encounter, and our officers returned fire,” Helms said. Despite the chaotic scene, no officers were injured.
Inside the truck, police found the body of a woman identified as Clara Blaxton. Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak confirmed her death was not caused by gunfire from officers. The exact cause of her death remains under investigation.
Authorities also revealed that the Dodge Ram had Arkansas license plates, suggesting Cousins and Blaxton had traveled to Missouri earlier that day.
Witnesses reported the truck’s tires appeared blown out, and the vehicle was stationary in the middle of the roadway. Officers approached Cousins cautiously, using ballistic shields while commanding him to move away from his weapons.
Cell phone video captured officers telling Cousins, “Roll away from the gun, and we will help you.”
Jefferson County Sheriff Marshak later confirmed Cousins sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a hospital. His current condition is unknown.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Businesses near the scene remained open, but traffic was diverted as authorities worked to gather evidence.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, cell phone footage, or surveillance video to assist the investigation by emailing crimetips@jeffcomo.org.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement and underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the tragic events that led to Blaxton’s death and the subsequent confrontation.
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.