Crime
Video shows moments Jordan Parisien shot and killed by Belcourt police officer in Turtle Mountains
LaCounte stated that Parisien had been driving erratically, repeatedly performing U-turns on Highway 5 in what appeared to be an attempt to get officers to pursue him.
Authorities have released additional information about the fatal officer-involved shooting of Jordan Parisien in Belcourt, North Dakota.
The incident, which occurred on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, is under investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Video evidence has surfaced showing the moments leading up to the death of Jordan Parisien, who was shot and killed by law enforcement.
According to Alysia LaCounte, general counsel for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, an investigation has revealed that all gunfire in the incident originated from law enforcement, and no shots were fired by Parisien.
LaCounte stated that Parisien had been driving erratically, repeatedly performing U-turns on Highway 5 in what appeared to be an attempt to get officers to pursue him.
Three officers responded to the scene.
One officer reportedly drew their weapon and instructed Parisien to exit his vehicle.
At this time, it remains unclear what prompted the officer to discharge their weapon or how many shots were fired.
An earlier statement from Turtle Mountain Tribal Chairman Jamie Azure indicated that the officers were responding to a report of a suicidal man armed with a firearm at a residence on the reservation.
The initial statement also suggested that shots were exchanged between Parisien and law enforcement; however, subsequent information from LaCounte has clarified that no exchange of gunfire occurred.
Parisien was fatally wounded during the incident, which occurred on Highway 5, west of Belcourt, around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Tribal Chairman Azure emphasized that this was an isolated incident and assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety.
The scene was immediately secured, and the investigation was turned over to the BIA and FBI, who are now working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The fatal shooting of Jordan Parisien has raised questions about the use of lethal force in this situation. Tribal authorities are committed to transparency as the investigation unfolds, and additional information is expected to be released in the coming days.
Tribal officials and law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain patient as investigators review all evidence, including video footage, to determine the facts of the case.
Further updates will be provided as new 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.