Crime
Brownwood police officer Kris Salazar shot multiple times during disturbance, suspect Holly Oliver killed
BROWNWOOD, Texas – A Brownwood police officer was shot multiple times late Monday night during a violent encounter with an armed suspect who was later pronounced deceased following an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.
According to the Brownwood Police Department, the incident began at approximately 11:50 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, when officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 2000 block of 7th Street.
The initial 911 caller advised that her husband was in the front yard, behaving erratically and discharging a firearm. Witnesses reported hearing two to three gunshots.
The suspect, 59-year-old Holly Edward Oliver, fled the 7th Street residence in a pickup truck and was believed to be heading toward an address on 1st Street.
Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, July 8, officers located Oliver’s vehicle in the 300 block of Corrigan Street.
As officers prepared to approach on foot, the suspect unexpectedly began driving toward them.
Oliver pulled alongside an unoccupied patrol vehicle and opened fire with what appeared to be an automatic rifle, targeting the driver’s side window and door.
Officers immediately sought cover and returned fire as Oliver drove off toward Norwood Street, continuing to fire at police.
As officers exited their vehicles to engage, Oliver again opened fire. He then reversed his truck down the road, exchanging gunfire with multiple officers before his vehicle came to a stop at the intersection of Norwood and Vincent Streets.
Officers approached the vehicle and removed Oliver from the driver’s seat. Life-saving measures were initiated on scene until Brownwood Fire Department medics and AMR ambulance personnel arrived.
Oliver was transported to Hendricks-Brownwood Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Brownwood Police Officer Kris Salazar sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the exchange as Oliver drove past his patrol unit.
He was transported to the emergency room at Hendricks-Brownwood, where he is currently listed in good condition and awaiting surgery.
The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into this attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
Multiple agencies provided critical support during the incident, including the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Early Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers.
Authorities have confirmed this remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Further updates will be provided as 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.