Crime
Venezuelan Migrant Critically Injured in Shooting on 74th & Phillips in Chicago
Chicago, IL – A Venezuelan migrant is in critical condition following a shooting that occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024, near the intersection of 74th Street and Phillips Avenue.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the back and chest. Emergency responders rushed the individual to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. The injuries are described as life-threatening.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting involved five suspects firing from a gray sedan, which authorities believe may be either a Kia or Honda. The vehicle fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Detectives are working to identify the suspects and establish a motive for the shooting. The Chicago Police Department is reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes to gather more evidence about the vehicle and those involved.
Residents in the area are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information related to this incident. Police have emphasized the importance of public cooperation in apprehending the suspects.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area Two Detectives at 312-747-8271 or submit an anonymous tip to CPD’s tip line.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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.