Crime
2-year-old child Fatally Struck by Vehicle in Southwest Houston, Grandmother Injured
The woman, identified as the child’s grandmother, suffered minor injuries and is expected to recover.
A tragic accident claimed the life of a 2-year-old child in Southwest Houston Thursday morning, police reported.
The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of West Fuqua Street and Bathurst Drive.
According to authorities, a woman was walking with her 2-year-old grandson, who was strapped in a stroller, when the incident occurred.
Investigators stated that a pickup truck driver was making a left turn onto West Fuqua but failed to yield at the intersection, striking both the grandmother and the child.
Emergency responders transported the victims to a local hospital. Tragically, the child succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision.
The woman, identified as the child’s grandmother, suffered minor injuries and is expected to recover.
The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement.
Police confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine whether charges will be filed against the driver.
The incident has left the community shaken, highlighting the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic laws, especially in areas frequented by pedestrians.
The Houston Police Department urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
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.