Crime
Watch: Moments shots fired inside Lumberton Walmart, victim identified as 42-year-old Brandy Olson
Authorities believe the incident was isolated and confirmed that no additional injuries were reported.
Lumberton, NC – Shocking video footage has captured the moments when shots rang out inside the Lumberton Walmart on Fayetteville Road, leaving shoppers scrambling for safety amid a chaotic scene.
In the footage, a man can be heard yelling, “Get on the floor!” as panicked customers ran for the exits.
Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of a 42-year-old woman, identified as Brandy Olson, who was killed in the shooting on Friday evening.
According to the Lumberton Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Walmart at approximately 3:45 p.m. following a report of shots fired.
When officers and other responding agencies arrived, they found Olson suffering from a gunshot wound inside the Woodforest Bank located within the store.
Olson, described as an innocent bystander, was given immediate aid by bystanders attempting life-saving measures before being transported to UNC Health Southeastern.
Despite efforts to save her, Olson succumbed to her injuries.
Police confirmed that the shooter fled the store and left the area before law enforcement could apprehend them.
Authorities believe the incident was isolated and confirmed that no additional injuries were reported.
City Councilman John Cantey Jr. released a statement following the incident:
“I would just like to reiterate to our citizens here in Lumberton. A lot of the citizens are calling. With inquiries into the tragic shooting at our Walmart. Just want to let our citizens know that it was an isolated incident. Where an innocent bystander was shot. I don’t want to preempt our law enforcement. Because they are working very hard and diligently to apprehend those suspects. I know our citizens are afraid. They are fearful of this holiday season. And it is a tragedy. And our prayers, on behalf of my precinct, and the city goes out to the lady’s family that unfortunately. And I will go on record and I will see it. Unfortunately has lost her life today because of the tragic event. Enough is enough. Gun violence is getting out of control. Us as elected officials, on a local level. The county, state, and federal level is going to have to somehow come up with some type of understanding. Mutual ground. We don’t want to infringe upon anybody’s individual rights on the second amendment. But, these guns out on the street that are on warranted. Or stolen, or obtained illegally. They are really harming our community. And, our citizens and we’re just going to have to pray. Pray just a little bit harder.”
Law enforcement is continuing their investigation and is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Sgt. Blake Harrell of the Lumberton Police Department can be reached at 910-671-3845.
The Lumberton community is left shaken by this tragedy as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal 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.