Crime
26-year-old Johndarius Ward killed after shooting outside Boston Fish Supreme in Birmingham
The suspect opened fire on Ward’s vehicle and then fled the scene.
A tragic shooting incident occurred early Saturday morning in Birmingham, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.
The shooting took place outside two businesses in the 800 block of Third Avenue West, which had previously been labeled by city officials as a “launching pad for criminal activity.”
The victim, identified as 26-year-old Johndarius Decareious Ward of Birmingham, was found unresponsive inside a vehicle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.
Approximately two dozen shell casings were found surrounding Ward’s sedan, which was parked in front of Boston Fish Supreme. Another cluster of shell casings was located near the front door of the Shell station.
According to police investigations, Ward was attempting to leave the parking lot when he was ambushed by the shooter.
The suspect opened fire on Ward’s vehicle and then fled the scene.
While officers were responding to the shooting, they learned that an additional victim had arrived at Princeton Baptist Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
The injured individual was transferred to UAB Hospital for further treatment.
The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating the incident and seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
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.