Crime
Two Dead, Juvenile Suspect in Custody Following Foothills Mall Shooting
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Two individuals are dead and a juvenile suspect is in custody following a fatal shooting at Foothills Mall on Saturday evening, according to a Sunday morning press release from Fort Collins Police Services.
The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. on April 5, 2025, at Foothills Mall located at 215 E. Foothills Parkway.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire and quickly arrived on scene, locating two victims on a sidewalk situated between the mall building and a nearby parking area.
Both victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to a local hospital by emergency medical services.
Despite lifesaving efforts, both victims succumbed to their injuries.
Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.
Following an intensive investigation, police identified and apprehended a juvenile male suspect in connection with the shooting.
Due to the suspect’s age, authorities are withholding his identity at this time.
Police indicated that additional charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
As with all criminal cases, charges are considered allegations and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Authorities stated that there is no indication of additional victims and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The shooting is being investigated as a possible gang-related incident.
However, police have chosen not to name specific gang affiliations in an effort to avoid granting notoriety.
Fort Collins Police are urging anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators to contact Detective Matt Dean at 970-221-6580. Those who wish to remain anonymous may submit tips through Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.
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.