Highlands Ranch, CO – A tragic sequence of events unfolded late Saturday night, February 8, 2025, when a Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a man in the parking lot of an entertainment complex following an earlier shooting inside the venue that left a woman injured.
The Incident at Main Event Entertainment Center
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) responded to reports of an active shooter at Main Event, an entertainment complex located off Centennial Boulevard, just before midnight. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies encountered a man armed with a weapon in the parking lot of the venue.
According to Sheriff Darren Weekly, the deputy at the scene issued multiple commands for the suspect to drop his weapon. However, when the man refused to comply, the deputy fired his weapon, striking the suspect. Life-saving measures were attempted, but the man was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Inside the Venue: A Woman Injured
Inside the Main Event facility, deputies discovered a female victim who had sustained a gunshot wound to her chest. She was quickly transported to a local hospital where she is expected to survive. Authorities identified a second female as the alleged shooter inside the business, and she was promptly taken into custody.
Investigation Into Connection Between the Two Incidents
Investigators confirmed that multiple rounds were fired inside the entertainment complex, but the exact connection between the man shot by deputies and the earlier shooting inside the venue is still under investigation. Sheriff Weekly stated that while the relationship between the two incidents remains unclear, authorities believe the events are connected.
“This situation could have been much worse,” Sheriff Weekly said during a Sunday morning press conference. “We had an armed individual in a large entertainment venue with shots fired inside. Fortunately, a nearby deputy was able to respond quickly. Unfortunately, he had to take a life in the process, but his actions likely prevented further harm.”
Independent Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
The 23rd Judicial District Critical Incident Team is conducting an independent investigation into the deputy-involved shooting. Authorities continue to interview witnesses and gather evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 303-660-7500.
Conclusion
This tragic series of events in Highlands Ranch underscores the dangers posed by an active shooter situation. While the deputy’s actions may have prevented further harm, the loss of life and the injury of a woman inside the venue remain significant. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge. The community continues to await answers as authorities work diligently to piece together the events that transpired that fateful night.