Crime
1 dead, 2 critically injured after shooting on Dogwood Drive in Mullins
Community members said more officers are arriving on scene.

Mullins, SC – A tragic shooting in Mullins on Sunday night left one person dead and two others critically injured, prompting state authorities to step in and assist with the investigation.
Mullins Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 block of East Dogwood Avenue around 6:45 PM.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered one individual who had succumbed to their injuries.
Two other victims were critically injured and transported to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.
Due to the severity of the incident, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called in to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not released details about the victims, potential suspects, or the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Mullins Police Chief Phil Mostowski has not yet provided additional information, and the situation remains under active investigation.
Residents are urged to avoid the area as law enforcement continues to gather evidence. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Mullins Police Department or SLED immediately.
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.