Crime
No active shooter, no evidence of shots fired at University of Massachusetts Lowell
LOWELL, Mass. — Police confirmed Wednesday evening that at no point was there an active shooter situation on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), despite earlier reports and a widely circulated video showing a person walking with what appeared to be a rifle.
Authorities say there is also no evidence that any shots were fired.
The incident began after reports surfaced of a possibly armed individual near Riverview Suites on UML’s South Campus.
A video shared online appeared to show an Asian male, approximately 5’5” tall, wearing a gray or white sweatshirt and black shorts, carrying a long weapon.
In response, multiple law enforcement agencies, including Lowell Police, Massachusetts State Police (MSP), SWAT, and the FBI, rushed to the scene to secure the area and investigate.
As a precaution, an emergency alert was issued to the university community, and a shelter-in-place order was put in effect for UML’s South Campus, covering the area between Marginal Street and the Lowell Humane Society.
By late evening, officials confirmed the lockdown had been lifted after determining there was no active threat.
During the lockdown, precautionary measures were taken for students across the city.
Members of the Bartlett and Stoklosa Cross Country teams were confirmed to be safely sheltering inside their schools.
School buses transporting students experienced delays due to road closures and traffic rerouting.
Officials stated that any student unable to reach their designated bus stop because of the lockdown would be redirected to the Moody School for pickup.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
While there have been no confirmed arrests, agencies are continuing to review the video and follow up on leads.
The Massachusetts State Police and FBI Boston confirmed they are actively coordinating with local law enforcement partners.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to avoid spreading unverified information.
Anyone with credible information related to the incident is asked to call 911.
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.