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At approximately 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, officers were called to the 3400 block of Janet Road in Wheaton after there was an emergency call placed about an assault in progress.
Upon arrival, members of the Montgomery County Department of Police spotted a man, identified as 31-year-old Wheaton resident Melvin Omar Chavez-Paz in a yard holding an object in his right hand.
Officers demanded that the man "drop the knife;" however, Chavez-Paz did not comply, and instead, began crossing the street, prompting one to discharge his service weapon.
Following his death, Chavez-Paz was described by loved ones as "loving and nurturing," to his family.
"Melvin was a hardworking individual with a deep commitment to supporting his family," Ana Hedman Paz wrote. "He aspired to help his mother, who suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, and his greatest wish was to be reunited with his young son."
Family members said that Chavez-Paz was "loving and nurturing," and was known to "take on the role of caregiver while taking care of household needs and childcare costs.
They said he was filled with energy and had a passion for the outdoors, often riding bikes and playing outside with his younger cousins in both Texas and Maryland before his unexpected death while living in a "close-knit household" with an extended family of nine.
"(Chavez-Paz) had an aunt who remembers him as a "disciplined young man who always responded with 'yes, Tia," when asked to help around the house.
Another cousin in Texas express that he "was like another brother to her," while musing about their adventures together, which included bike rides and snowball fights with her children.
"Despite not having snow gloves, Melvin would creatively fashion mittens for his baby cousins to participate in the fun of snowball fights during the Texas Winter," she said.
"That's the type of cousin he was, always finding creative ways for the kids to have fun despite our low budget."
The family is rallying support from the community and other well-wishers following Chavez-Paz's fatal shooting, as they hope to return his body to "his beloved mother in Honduras" for a "dignified burial and memorial."
"Melvin's high energy and loving personality created a positive impact on the family, helping to raise many of the children with kindness and care. Melvin’s spirit will be deeply missed, and the family is grateful for any monetary support in remembering him as they navigate this difficult time."
Those interested in supporting the family financially can do so here.
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