Death by Cop 2026
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Daniel Alfons Meltvedt
Age : 20
Gender : Male
Race : Latino/a/e
Date : 07/21/2026
Location : 00 block of Elkhorn
City : Irvine
County : Orange
State : California
Agency : Irvine Police Department
Officer(s) :Not as closed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Autistic man killed by police during mental health crisis
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 07/21/2026, at approximately 8:50 a.m., 20-year-old Daniel Alfons Meltvedt called 911 and reported that he was experiencing a mental health crisis. According to the Irvine Police Department, Meltvedt told the dispatcher that he had with a knife and requested police assistance. Officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of Elkhorn in Irvine.
When officers arrived, they encountered Meltvedt outside the home holding a knife. Police stated that officers spent several minutes attempting to de-escalate the situation by giving repeated verbal commands and deploying less-lethal force, including beanbag rounds. According to police, those efforts were unsuccessful, and Meltvedt moved toward officers while still holding the knife. Officers then fired their weapons, striking him. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived. Meltvedt was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The Orange County District Attorney's Office responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation into the fatal shooting, consistent with California law governing police shootings. Investigators are reviewing body-worn camera footage, witness statements, dispatch recordings, and forensic evidence. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to police, Meltvedt was the person who requested emergency assistance before the fatal encounter. The case has drawn attention because it involved a person seeking help during a reported mental health crisis that ended in a fatal police shooting.
On 07/21/2026, at approximately 8:50 a.m., 20-year-old Daniel Alfons Meltvedt called 911 and reported that he was experiencing a mental health crisis. According to the Irvine Police Department, Meltvedt told the dispatcher that he had with a knife and requested police assistance. Officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of Elkhorn in Irvine.
When officers arrived, they encountered Meltvedt outside the home holding a knife. Police stated that officers spent several minutes attempting to de-escalate the situation by giving repeated verbal commands and deploying less-lethal force, including beanbag rounds. According to police, those efforts were unsuccessful, and Meltvedt moved toward officers while still holding the knife. Officers then fired their weapons, striking him. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived. Meltvedt was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The Orange County District Attorney's Office responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation into the fatal shooting, consistent with California law governing police shootings. Investigators are reviewing body-worn camera footage, witness statements, dispatch recordings, and forensic evidence. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to police, Meltvedt was the person who requested emergency assistance before the fatal encounter. The case has drawn attention because it involved a person seeking help during a reported mental health crisis that ended in a fatal police shooting.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://abc7.com/post/armed-man-shot-irvine-police-called-911-said-he-was-experiencing-mental-health-crisis-say/19552785/
https://ktla.com/news/california/irvine-police-shooting-armed-man-crisis-call/
https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2026/07/21/irvine-police-fatally-shoot-man-allegedly-armed-with-knife-after-he-called-911-during-mental-health-crisis/