Crime
Multiple people stabbed at Walmart in Traverse City
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A horrifying stabbing incident unfolded just before 5 p.m. Saturday at the Walmart Supercenter in Traverse City, Michigan, leaving multiple people injured and prompting a massive emergency response.
Authorities have confirmed that a 42-year-old Michigan man is in custody in connection with the attack.
According to a statement from Munson Healthcare, 11 victims are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
Five individuals are listed in serious condition, while six remain in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
The stabbing occurred at the Walmart located at Crossing Circle, triggering a rapid response from police, EMS, and fire units. First responders found victims suffering from severe wounds throughout various departments inside the store.
Several were treated at the scene with tourniquets before being transported to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses described chaos and panic inside the store as the suspect allegedly attacked customers at random.
According to shoppers and employees, people screamed and fled in all directions.
One Walmart employee reported seeing a victim who had been stabbed in the eye. Another individual reportedly went into cardiac arrest following the incident.
Several shoppers took brave action to stop the suspect. According to witness Kathryn Ann Clark, her friend’s son and another customer confronted the attacker and managed to subdue him until police arrived.
Despite early social media speculation, authorities have confirmed that no shots were fired.
Amber Paull, another witness, told Channel2 Now that the suspect “just lost it” in the grocery and produce section, targeting random individuals. She noted that an African American shopper tried to intervene by drawing a pistol to stop the attacker, but the suspect managed to slip into the crowd amidst the panic.
Among the victims were reportedly an elderly woman and a child, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the assault.
In a public advisory, Grand Traverse 911 urged residents to avoid the Walmart area, stating, “First responders are on scene. There is no danger to the public at this time.”
The motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Police have not released the suspect’s name or additional details about his background as of Saturday night.
Traverse City is located approximately 125 miles north of Grand Rapids.
Updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Authorities are asking anyone with video footage or firsthand information about the incident to come forward.
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.