Suspect dead after officer-involved shooting in Centennial

A suspect was killed by officer gunfire and two deputies were unharmed after an incident at a Days Inn hotel in central Centennial on May 28, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said.

Steven Edward Ferguson, 31, was shot and died at the scene, according to the sheriff's office. Ferguson was identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office June 1.

Ferguson got into a stolen car in the parking lot at about around 3:45 p.m. at the hotel at 9719 E. Geddes Ave., near Interstate 25 and East Dry Creek Road, authorities said. Two deputies had been watching the stolen car as of about 3:15 p.m., according to the May 29 news release.

"In an attempt to flee, the suspect backed into a patrol car, which was positioned behind the stolen vehicle. The deputy gave verbal orders for the suspect to get out of the car and show his hands," the release said.

The suspect refused to obey the orders and "presented a deadly threat to the deputy and was subsequently shot," according to the release, 

As of June 1, the sheriff's office had not confirmed whether the suspect was armed or whether the suspect shot at deputies. One deputy fired a weapon, and the office is not confirming how many rounds were fired, said Ginger Delgado, a spokeswoman for the office.

There was no danger to the surrounding community regarding the incident, said Mark Boyle, a spokesman for the sheriff's office. No bystanders were injured, Delgado said.

Ferguson had a long list of run-ins with law enforcement, according to online court records. He pleaded guilty in 2007 to possession of a controlled substance, to theft in 2008, to second-degree burglary of a dwelling in 2012, to second-degree burglary of a building in 2017 and to third-degree assault in 2008, the records say. Many other charges against him were dismissed by district attorneys.

Geddes Avenue was closed between South Clinton and Fulton streets, the sheriff's office said in a tweet at about 4:40 p.m. The scene was clear on Geddes Avenue and all roads were open as of about 10:15 p.m., the office said in a tweet.

Both deputies were placed on administrative leave, according to the tweet, as is usual policy for shootings involving sheriff's office deputies.

The 18th Judicial District Critical Response Team — a group of law enforcement officials from nearby agencies other than the sheriff's office, such as from Parker and Greenwood Village — were at the scene that evening investigating the incident, as also is usual policy for officer-involved shootings.

The 18th Judicial District includes Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

The role of the Critical Response Team is to investigate the use of force by deputies and present its findings to the district attorney.