Crime
At least 3 officers dead, multiple wounded While Serving Warrant in York County
The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, PA — A devastating shooting in York County has left at least three police officers dead and multiple others wounded after gunfire erupted during the service of a warrant Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect shot and killed by the police.
The violent confrontation unfolded around 2:10 p.m. near 1879 Harr Road in North Codorus Township, a rural community located approximately 115 miles west of Philadelphia and near the Maryland border.
Officers from multiple agencies were serving a warrant when the suspect opened fire, striking at least five officers.
According to law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation, three officers are confirmed dead, while at least two others remain in grave condition.
Several medevac helicopters were deployed to airlift critically injured officers to trauma centers. WellSpan York Hospital confirmed it was treating multiple patients in serious condition, activating heightened security protocols.
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis addressed the tragedy in a public statement, urging support for those affected:
“Please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County.”
The shooting prompted a shelter-in-place order across the Spring Grove School District. School officials emphasized that no students or staff were involved, but closures and lockdowns were implemented due to the ongoing police activity and road closures in the area.
The crime scene was described as a rural agricultural setting, surrounded by orchards and farmland.
Witnesses reported an overwhelming law enforcement presence as Pennsylvania State Police, York County Sheriff’s deputies, and EMS swarmed the area.
The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia released a statement confirming it was closely monitoring the incident, citing the region’s large population of migrant farm workers, many of them Mexican nationals.
The consulate urged residents to follow official safety instructions, though it did not provide additional details.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased officers or the suspect.
The York County Office of Emergency Management described the investigation as “ongoing and active,” urging the public to avoid the area in order to allow first responders to safely carry out their duties.
This tragedy comes just months after the UPMC Memorial Hospital shooting in February 2025, marking another heartbreaking chapter for York County.
“This is a dark day for law enforcement and our community,” one emergency management official said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the fallen officers, the injured, and their families as we work to understand the full scope of this tragedy.”
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.