Man shot, killed by Montgomery County police officer in Wheaton identified

WHEATON, Md. ( DC News Now ) — The Maryland Office of the Attorney General released the name of the man who was shot and killed by a Montgomery County police officer on Sept. 21.

Officials identified the man as 31-year-old Melvin Omar Chavez-Paz, of Wheaton.

In an update on Wednesday, the attorney general’s office said the police officer who shot Chavez-Paz was Corporal Cody Hobbs.

Hobbs is a 12-year veteran and is assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau.

On Sept. 21, just before 8 p.m., Montgomery County police officers responded to the 3400 block of Janet Road for an assault in progress.

According to the attorney general’s office, when officers arrived, they found Chavez-Paz standing in a yard holding an “object” in his right hand.

Police officers gave several commands for Chavez-Paz to “drop the knife,” but he did not comply and began crossing the street. That’s when Hobbs shot Chavez-Paz, killing him, according to officials.

During the investigation, the attorney’s office said officers found a grill fork near Chavez-Paz.

No officers were hurt during the shooting.

The incident remains under investigation by the Independent Investigations Division .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.