Body-worn camera video shows MCPD officer kill Silver Spring man holding a grill fork

On September 21, 2024, at approximately 7:45 p.m., officers with the Montgomery County Police Department responded to the 3400 block of Janet Road in Wheaton after receiving a 911 call for a report of an assault in progress. Upon arriving on scene, officers encountered a man, later identified as 31-year-old Melvin Chavez-Paz in a yard holding an object in his right hand. Police shouted commands at Chavez-Paz to “drop the knife;” however, Chavez-Paz did not comply and began crossing the street. One officer discharged his service weapon, striking Chavez-Paz. Officers immediately rendered emergency medical aid and called for EMS. Chavez-Paz was pronounced dead on scene. A grill fork was recovered near his body. No officers were injured.