Crime
Woman killed in shooting at Woodforest Bank inside the Walmart on Fayetteville Road in Lumberton

Lumberton, NC – A tragic shooting at the Lumberton Super Walmart on Fayetteville Road Friday afternoon claimed the life of a woman, according to police.
Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:45 p.m. following reports of gunfire inside the store.
Upon arrival, they located a woman suffering from gunshot wounds near the Woodforest Bank inside the Walmart. Bystanders were performing life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was transported to UNC Health Southeastern for treatment.
Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.
Authorities reported that the suspects fled the store and left the area following the shooting.
Police do not currently believe that anyone else was injured during the incident.
The Lumberton Police Department has launched an active investigation into the shooting and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Those with details are encouraged to contact Sgt. Blake Harrell at 910-671-3845.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as new information emerges.
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.