PHILADELPHIA, PA – A late-night disturbance inside a Center City IHOP ended in tragedy Saturday when a 43-year-old unhoused man was shot and killed by a security guard after being escorted from the restaurant.
Police said the shooting occurred around 11:10 p.m. inside the IHOP at 1320 Walnut Street.
Responding officers found the man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.
He was rushed to Jefferson Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:35 p.m.
Security guard fired after being spat on
Investigators determined that the victim had been creating a disturbance before security attempted to remove him. During the encounter, police said the man turned and spat at the guard, who then fired a single shot, striking him in the head.
The guard, identified as 39-year-old Yahaira Melendez of the 2000 block of East Cambria Street, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
Charges filed following investigation
Melendez has been charged with murder and related offenses, according to police. Authorities have not released her mugshot at this time.
Detectives from the Homicide Unit continue to review surveillance footage and witness statements as the investigation moves forward.
