A Colorado deputy’s quick action neutralized an armed suspect outside a family fun center, preventing a potential tragedy.
At a Glance
- A man was fatally shot by a Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy outside a family entertainment center in Highlands Ranch, Colorado
- The incident occurred late Saturday night, following a separate shooting inside the venue
- A woman was injured in the initial shooting inside the center, allegedly by another woman who was taken into custody
- The deputy confronted the armed man in the parking lot, who refused to drop his weapon
- Investigators are interviewing witnesses as the investigation continues
Deputy Confronts Armed Suspect
In a tense confrontation late Saturday night, a Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot an armed man outside a family entertainment center in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The incident unfolded just before midnight, escalating from an earlier shooting inside the venue. The quick response of law enforcement potentially prevented further casualties at the crowded facility.
The Main Event Highlands Ranch, a popular destination offering activities like bowling, mini golf, and laser tag, was the scene of this harrowing incident. The venue, typically open until 2 a.m. on weekends, was bustling with patrons when shots rang out, creating a dangerous situation that could have easily spiraled out of control.
The chain of events began with a shooting inside the entertainment center. According to authorities, one woman shot another in the chest and foot. The victim was hospitalized, though her current condition remains unclear. Another woman was also hospitalized for a non-life-threatening issue related to the incident.
“One female had been shot in the chest and also has a wound on her foot. That female was shot by another female, who is currently in custody,” Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said.
The female shooter was promptly taken into custody by authorities, preventing further violence inside the venue. However, the situation was far from over.
Confrontation in the Parking Lot
As law enforcement responded to the initial shooting, they encountered an armed man in the parking lot. Deputies instructed the individual to drop his weapon, but he refused to comply. Instead, he aimed his firearm at the officers, forcing them to take decisive action.
“It was packed. There were a lot of patrons still here when the shots rang out. Very dangerous situation. We do know we had multiple rounds fired inside the business. This situation could have been much worse,” Sheriff Weekly added.
A deputy, facing an immediate threat, fired at the armed man, neutralizing him. Despite attempts to save his life, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sheriff’s office believes the man was connected to the earlier shooting inside the entertainment center.
As the community grapples with the shocking events, investigators are working diligently to piece together the full story. Authorities have not yet identified the female shooter or the armed man killed in the parking lot. Witness interviews are ongoing, providing crucial information to understand the sequence of events and motives behind the shootings.
