A Philadelphia IHOP security guard has been charged with murder after allegedly fatally shooting a homeless man who spat at her.
The shooting occurred around 11:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 in the Center City area. Police arrived at the restaurant to find a 43-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to nearby Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where he was pronounced dead about half an hour later.
The victim’s identity has not been released.
Police said the man was allegedly causing a disturbance and was being led out by multiple security guards. While being escorted to the exit, the unhoused man allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards, Yahaira Melendez, who then allegedly fired her weapon and struck him in the head. Police said the victim did not appear to be armed.
No other information about the events leading up to the shooting was released.
Melendez, 39, is now facing charges of possession of an instrument of crime with intent and recklessly endangering another person.
Her bail was denied and her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27, 2025.
“The safety of our Team Members and guests is our number one priority,” an IHOP spokesperson said in a statement. “We take this incident extremely seriously. We are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. Further questions on the investigation should be directed to the Philadelphia Police Department.”
