DENVER—A Denver police officer who shot a man during a Dec. 29 confrontation at the home of the man’s sister will not face charges.
Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey concluded Friday that Officer Gregory Ceccacci acted in self-defense when he wounded 34-year-old Samson Ferde.
Police responded to a Denver home after receiving a call from Ferde’s sister, Elizabeth Gebeyehu, saying Ferde was trying to break in.
Officers arrived and ordered Ferde to the ground.
Police say he dropped to his knees but refused to follow commands to lay down. He then charged at Ceccacci with an object in his hand.
Ceccacci fired three shots, hitting Ferde in the chest, thigh and neck.
Detectives later determined the object Ferde was holding was a small cross. A knife also was found in the truck he was driving.
Gebeyehu says her brother remains hospitalized in critical condition. He has not been charged.
