Crime
18-year-old killed after shooting on Michigan Avenue near East 57th Street in the Washington Park neighborhood
At this time, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
A tragic shooting on Chicago’s South Side has left an 18-year-old man dead after a gunman opened fire into a residence on Tuesday afternoon, according to police reports.
The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 5700 block of Michigan Avenue near East 57th Street in the Washington Park neighborhood.
Authorities state that the victim was inside a residence when an unidentified gunman fired multiple rounds from outside, striking the young man several times.
Emergency responders pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
The individual’s identity has not yet been released, pending notification of family members.
Police are actively investigating the circumstances leading to the shooting.
At this time, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
The Chicago Police Department urges anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or dial 911. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at CPDtip.com.
Authorities emphasize the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes and bringing those responsible to justice.
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.