Crime
16-Year-Old Eric Krassman wanted for the murder of Darrell Love Jr in Beaver Falls
Krassman is facing charges of Criminal Homicide and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor.
BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – The Beaver Falls Police Department has issued an alert for 16-year-old Eric Anthony Krassman Jr., who is wanted in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Wednesday night in the city.
According to a statement from Police Chief David Johnson, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of 13th Street following reports of a male with a gunshot wound.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered 16-year-old Darrell Love Jr., who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
Love was transported to a Pittsburgh hospital for emergency medical treatment but tragically succumbed to his injuries. The Allegheny County Coroner has confirmed his identity.
Through their investigation, detectives determined that Love was shot by Krassman Jr., who fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
Krassman is facing charges of Criminal Homicide and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor.
Krassman Jr. is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, with blue eyes and weighing around 120 pounds.
Authorities have cautioned the public not to approach him, as he is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about Krassman’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Beaver Falls Police Department at 724-775-0880. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.
This is an active and ongoing investigation.
Police are working diligently to locate the suspect and ensure the safety of the community. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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.