Crime
LSUPD Investigating Report of Shots Fired Near Law Center, No Current Threat to Campus
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana State University Police Department (LSUPD) confirmed Saturday that it is continuing to investigate a report of shots fired near the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, located at 1 East Campus Drive.
In an emergency alert to the campus community, university officials emphasized that there is currently no active threat to campus safety.
However, community members were urged to continue avoiding the Law Center area and to closely monitor official emergency text and email notifications for further instructions.
Upon receiving the initial report, LSU police and local law enforcement agencies responded immediately, securing the area and beginning a comprehensive investigation.
At this time, authorities have not confirmed whether any injuries occurred or if a suspect is in custody.
The situation unfolded as an LSU football game was in progress at Tiger Stadium, which has drawn tens of thousands of fans to the university.
Although the stadium is located some distance from the Law Center, officials stressed that they are maintaining heightened security measures to safeguard both students and attendees.
University administrators are reminding students, faculty, and visitors to remain alert and follow all instructions from law enforcement until the investigation is complete.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional updates will be shared as new information becomes 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.