The Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division has identified Corporal Cody Hobbs, a twelve-year veteran of the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), as the officer involved in the fatal shooting on September 21, 2024, in Wheaton.
Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: “The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the decedent and the involved officer in the fatal shooting that occurred on September 21, 2024, in Wheaton, Montgomery County, Maryland.
The decedent has been identified as 31-year-old Melvin Omar Chavez-Paz of Wheaton, Maryland. The Montgomery County Police officer has been identified as Corporal Cody Hobbs, a twelve year veteran. Corporal Hobbs is assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. The Independent Investigations Division continues to investigate the circumstances of the fatal shooting.”
Original MCPD Report: “On Saturday, September 21, 2024, at approximately 7:49 p.m., 4th District officers responded to the location for the report of an assault in progress.
Upon arrival, a 4th District officer encountered an adult male armed with an object. The officer gave multiple commands, but the individual did not comply, and approached the officer and victims he had allegedly assaulted earlier. The officer subsequently shot him. Officers provided life saving measures until Fire Rescue responded. He was pronounced dead on scene.
Per Maryland law, the investigation into the shooting has been handed over to the Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID). All media inquiries should be directed to the IID.”