Crime
Video shows moments shots fired at St. Martinville High School homecoming game
One person has died as a result of the shooting. 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner arrested.
UPDATE: A tragic shooting incident occurred during the St. Martinville High School homecoming football game on Friday night, resulting in one fatality.
St. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin confirmed the death and announced the arrest of 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner in connection with the crime.
Gardner was apprehended in Texas and is facing a charge of second-degree murder.
His bond has been set at a substantial $10 million.
The shooting sparked widespread outrage and concern, highlighting the growing issue of gun violence, particularly at public events.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the St. Martinville Police Department Detectives at 337-394-3001.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A shooting incident occurred during the St. Martinville High School homecoming game on Friday night.
One person was injured in the incident.
The shooting caused chaos and panic among the crowd.
Several social media posts documented the frightening experience as gunshots rang out during the event.
St. Martinville Police have identified a suspect in connection with the shooting.
The community is shocked and saddened by this act of violence, which disrupted a joyful occasion.
Many have expressed frustration over the increasing prevalence of gun violence, particularly at public events like high school football games.
As the investigation continues, more information will be released.
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.