Police identify man shot and killed by Irvine officers after brandishing a knife.
Authorities in Orange County have identified the individual fatally shot by Irvine police as 20-year-old Daniel Alfons Meltvedt, a resident of Irvine. The incident transpired on Tuesday, following a distress call made by Meltvedt to 911, during which he expressed intentions to harm himself and potentially others while reportedly armed with a knife.
According to the Irvine Police Department, Meltvedt’s call prompted a swift response from law enforcement and emergency services. For over an hour after his call, he was in communication with a Crisis Negotiation Team, which aimed to foster a peaceful resolution to the situation. Despite their efforts, Meltvedt allegedly emerged from nearby bushes on Silkwood and Sungate in the Turtle Rock neighborhood, advancing towards officers while brandishing the knife. Subsequently, an officer discharged their weapon.
Present on-site alongside law enforcement were Orange County firefighters and a specialized unit known as the Irvine Community Alternative Response and Engagement Team. This team focuses on offering mental health and medical services in emergencies but is not composed of sworn officers and does not carry firearms.
Officer Ziggy Azarcon, a spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department, stated that the Crisis Negotiation Team assumed command of the situation due to Meltvedt being armed. Prior to the incident, officers had responded to several mental health-related calls involving him and had connected him with mental health resources. In fact, he had been receiving ongoing services from the Irvine Community Alternative Response and Engagement Team since 2025.
The knife reportedly wielded by Meltvedt was identified by police as resembling a kitchen knife, although specific dimensions were not disclosed by Wednesday afternoon. Meltvedt’s father, Erich Meltvedt, contended that his son posed no genuine threat to the officers present at the scene, expressing distress over the series of events leading up to the shooting.
As the investigation continues, Irvine police have announced plans to release a critical incident debrief video within the next few weeks. This video is expected to contain the original 911 call as well as body-worn camera footage documenting the events surrounding the shooting.
In light of this incident, the ongoing dialogue regarding law enforcement responses to mental health crises continues to intensify, underscoring the complexities faced by police and mental health professionals alike. Media News Source will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
