Crime
Officers killed in York County ambush identified as Cody Becker, Isaiah Emenheiser and Mark Baker
NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — September 18, 2025 — Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that five police officers were shot on Wednesday afternoon while attempting to serve a warrant at a farm in York County.
Of those, three officers were killed, and two others remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition at WellSpan York Hospital.
During a Thursday press conference, York County District Attorney Tim Barker formally identified the gunman as 24-year-old Matthew J. Ruth. Barker emphasized that after naming him once, he would refer to him only as “the actor,” underscoring the department’s focus on the fallen officers and their families.
The Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD) has identified the three officers killed in the line of duty as:
- Detective Sergeant Cody Becker
- Detective Isaiah Emenheiser
- Detective Mark Baker
A fourth officer from NYCRPD was among the two critically wounded. In a statement, the department said:
“We ask our community to keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.”
The NYCRPD administrative offices have been closed, and coverage of municipal calls is being handled by neighboring departments with the support of Pennsylvania State Police.
Governor Josh Shapiro described the tragedy as a devastating day for both York County and the Commonwealth:
“We grieve for the loss of three precious souls who served this county, this Commonwealth, and this country. We continue to pray for the full recovery of those who are dealing with their wounds.”
The Governor also noted that this shooting comes only months after Officer Andrew Duarte of York County was killed in the line of duty earlier this year.
Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris confirmed that PSP has convened a Major Case Team to lead the investigation, in coordination with the York County District Attorney’s Office.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and those who were wounded. There are simply no words that can assuage the grief this community is enduring. The grief will be unbearable, but together we will bear it,” Paris said.
Authorities reported that the suspect, Ruth, was fatally shot by law enforcement during the confrontation.
The investigation now spans multiple locations across York County and is expected to continue throughout the night and into the coming days.
Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
The crime scene remains large and active, with significant investigative resources deployed.
A more detailed overview of the findings is expected later Thursday.
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.