Crime
Former Employee Myles Belyue Dies by Suicide After Shooting Outside Amazon Warehouse in East Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga— An early-morning shooting incident outside an Amazon warehouse in East Columbus ended in tragedy Monday after the suspected gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities confirmed.
According to the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting an active shooter at approximately 4:30 a.m. in the 5800 block of Osceola Court.
Investigators say the suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Myles Belyue, was outside the warehouse firing multiple rounds at the building while employees were working inside.
Police arrived on scene at approximately 4:47 a.m. and located Belyue still outside the facility.
Officers confronted the suspect, resulting in a brief standoff. Shortly thereafter, Belyue reportedly took his own life before officers could make an arrest.
Authorities confirmed that no employees inside the warehouse were injured during the gunfire, though several rounds struck the building.
By late Monday morning, reporters observed nearly a dozen visible bullet holes through the facility’s front windows.
Investigators have since learned that Belyue was a former employee of the Amazon facility and had been terminated earlier this month.
The case remains under active investigation by the Columbus Division of Police, with assistance from additional law enforcement partners.
Officials have not released a possible motive for the shooting.
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.