Deputies responded to reports of an individual armed with a shotgun. Upon arrival, a stand-off reportedly ensued. Police ran the plates of a nearby vehicle, and spoke to the owner, Melvin's mother. She stated Melvin had mental health issues. Officers were negotiating with Melvin, and allege he continued to point the gun towards officers. Police claim Melvin eventually pointed the gun directly at officers, and they shot and killed him.
Agency: Lee County Sheriff's Office
Motive: person with a gun/mental health crisis
Confrontation Type: Person with a Weapon
Service Call: Yes
Body Camera: no
Official Disposition: Pending investigation
Victim Name: Jeff Melvin
Death Date: June 19, 2021
County: Lee
Geography: Rural
Gender: Male
Age: 20
Race: Unknown race
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: attack
Washington Post Database ID: 6952