Crime
15-Year-Old Girl Killed, Two Men Injured in Southwest Houston Shooting
Houston Police Department (HPD) homicide detectives are actively investigating a tragic shooting that occurred late last night in the parking lot of a restaurant on Bellaire Boulevard near Hillcroft Avenue in Southwest Houston.
The incident left a 15-year-old girl dead and two men injured.
According to preliminary reports, two men in a Chevy Trailblazer opened fire on two individuals in a Honda.
In response, someone in the Honda reportedly fired back.
Authorities believe three to four individuals were involved in the exchange of gunfire.
Casualties:
- Deceased: A 15-year-old girl, whose connection to the incident remains unclear, was transported to the hospital by friends but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
- Injured:
- A 19-year-old man sustained critical injuries and was transported to the hospital by emergency services.
- A 29-year-old man suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was privately transported to a medical facility.
Deputies from Precinct 5 quickly arrived at the scene, securing the area and setting up a perimeter.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and HPD detectives are working to piece together the events leading up to the incident.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-884-3131. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
This tragic incident has left the community shaken, and authorities are committed to bringing clarity and justice to those affected.
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.