Crime
At least 11 people injured after mass shooting on Watson Avenue in Little River
LITTLE RIVER, SC – The Horry County Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday night on Watson Avenue near the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River, resulting in at least 11 individuals being transported to area hospitals.
According to officials, the incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. in a primarily residential neighborhood that also houses several boating-related businesses.
Emergency response was swift, with Horry County Fire Rescue units transporting 11 victims, while additional individuals reportedly arrived at local hospitals by personal vehicles.
The conditions of the injured have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Authorities have confirmed that the shooting occurred near a docked boat, with video footage from earlier in the evening possibly connected to the incident.
A significant law enforcement and emergency response presence was observed at the scene, with dozens of police units and ambulances deployed.
Investigators believe this to be an isolated incident, and have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
However, residents are urged to avoid the area while police and public safety personnel continue their work.
The Horry County Police Department emphasized that this remains an active and ongoing investigation, and details may change as more information becomes available.
At this time, no suspect information or motive has been released.
Authorities encourage community members to rely on official sources, such as law enforcement and trusted news outlets, for verified updates.
Further details will be shared as the investigation progresses.
Little River is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach and is known for its quiet residential areas and maritime activity.
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.