Crime
1 person injured after shooting in bathroom at Joppatowne High School, 16-year-old suspect arrested
Authorities have confirmed that only one shot was fired.
A shooting incident occurred at Joppatowne High School involving two students. A 16-year-old student allegedly shot a 15-year-old classmate during a fight in the men’s restroom. The victim is in serious condition.
The suspect fled the school after the incident and was seen banging on neighbors’ doors, prompting multiple 911 calls. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office commended the community for their swift response in helping to apprehend the suspect.
According to the sheriff, the suspect was a new student at Joppatowne High School, having only started classes recently. While the sheriff couldn’t confirm whether the suspect had a juvenile criminal record, he stated that the individual was not unfamiliar to law enforcement.
There had been previous “calls for service” related to the suspect, but the sheriff declined to provide further details.
The sheriff expressed frustration with the Maryland Child Interrogation Protection Act, criticizing the law’s restrictions on questioning juvenile suspects. He described the current situation as “lunacy,” emphasizing the need for law enforcement to be able to interview suspects promptly.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A Harford County Public Schools representative confirmed that an isolated incident occurred at Joppatowne High School on Friday.
According to first responders, one student sustained injuries, but the incident was not an active shooter situation.
Authorities have apprehended a person off campus, though the reasons for their arrest remain unclear.
The school is cooperating closely with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office as they investigate the incident.
Harford County Sheriff’s Office Statement Regarding Joppatowne High School Incident
“Joppatowne High School families, please be informed that the Harford County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the school today to address an isolated incident on campus. There was a physical altercation between known individuals, during which a weapon was brought onto the school grounds and used. We are currently investigating the matter.”
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is advising the public that there is no active shooter situation at Joppatowne High School. The incident is isolated and contained. Please avoid the area.
A reunification center has been established at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church for parents to pick up their children.
Media staging for the Joppatowne High School incident will be at the Redner’s Market on Joppa Farm Road.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is 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.