Crime
One dead, another injured after shooting at Sazón Latino Restaurant in Hazleton
HAZLETON, PA — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning at a restaurant in Hazleton, leaving one man dead and another person injured.
According to Luzerne County Coroner Dion Fernandes, his office was called to Lehigh Valley Medical Center shortly before 2:30 p.m. following reports that a man who had been shot at Sazon Latino Restaurant, located at 921 Alter Street, had died en route to the hospital.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
A second individual sustained minor injuries in the incident and was also transported for medical evaluation.
That person is expected to recover.
At this time, the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear.
It has not been confirmed whether any arrests have been made or if a suspect is currently in custody.
The incident is under active investigation by the Hazleton City Police Department, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Officials are working to determine the events that led to the gunfire inside or near the establishment.
Coroner Fernandes noted that an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Hazleton Police Department as the investigation continues.
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.