KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville community is mourning the tragic death of Angel Melendez, 46, who was fatally shot during a police-involved incident on January 28, 2026, at the North Park Apartments on Tillery Road in northwest Knoxville.
According to authorities, Knoxville Police officers were responding to an endangered child investigation connected to a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Endangered Child Alert for a missing 15-year-old girl issued the previous evening. Officers entered an apartment where they located both Melendez and the missing child.
During the encounter, investigators state that Melendez pointed a firearm at officers, prompting two officers to discharge their weapons. Melendez was struck multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured by gunfire.
Police confirmed the missing child was not harmed in the shooting. During the incident, the juvenile allegedly struck an officer in the head with a large knife, though the officer was not injured due to wearing protective headgear. Authorities said the juvenile will face an assault charge. Investigators also confirmed that Melendez was not related to the child.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the independent investigation into the shooting. The involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with department policy, and the Knoxville Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards will review the incident.
Angel Melendez’s death has left loved ones and the community grappling with a life lost under tragic circumstances. Knoxville mourns his passing and extends thoughts and condolences to all those affected during this difficult time.
