Lakewood Police Officer Ashley Ferris is being called a hero after she fatally shot a man on a deadly shooting spree that took five lives and injured several others on Dec. 26.
Ferris was shot in the abdomen during the encounter, but managed to return fire and subdue the suspect.
According to Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen, the shooting spree began near First Avenue and Broadway in the downtown area.
The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Lyndon Mcleod, killed two women and injured a man in the first barrage, before leaving the area and firing his gun in other areas of the city. When police identified the man’s vehicle, they were met with gunfire.
Their vehicle was disabled, and Mcleod fled into Lakewood where he shot and killed someone at a local business in the 1500 block of Kipling.
Eventually, the police chased the suspect to the Belmar shopping center and engaged in further gunfire, according to police statements. Mcleod then made his way to the Hyatt Place and shot and killed a hotel clerk
Upon leaving the hotel, Mcleod encountered Lakewood officer Ferris, who ordered him to drop his weapon. Despite being shot in the abdomen. Ferris was able to return fire and kill Mcleod. Ferris is currently being treated for her wounds at the hospital, and is in critical condition.
“If not for the heroic efforts of Agent Ferris and other law enforcement, this incredibly violent tragedy could have been even worse,” the Lakewood Police Department said in a statement.
The department went on to praise Ferris for her bravery and wished her a complete recovery. The Colorado Healing Fundis accepting donations on behalf of everyone effected by the Lakewood-Denver Tragedy.
“All of us at the Lakewood Police Department are incredibly proud of Agent Ferris and the bravery shown by her and her fellow law enforcement officers during this active shooter situation,” Lakewood Police Chief Dan McCasky said. “The entire Lakewood Police family will be here to support Agent Ferris and her family as she embarks on this recovery process.”
According to McCasky, all of the victims were known to the shooter either personally or through business.
“Our hearts are incredibly heavy with the loss of life and injuries suffered by others during this rampage,” McCasky said.
