Suspected shoplifter shot, killed by Arapahoe County deputies

An armed man suspected of shoplifting was fatally shot by Arapahoe County deputies on Sunday, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies responded at about 7:12 a.m. Sunday to reports of a shoplifter armed with a machete at a Walmart in Centennial, 109000 East Briarwood Avenue, according to a news release from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.

When they arrived at the store, the man advanced toward deputies with a knife and a machete, sheriff’s officials said. He has not been publicly identified.

One deputy deployed a Taser, which was not effective, according to the agency. When the suspect continued to approach, another deputy shot him.

Both deputies immediately began life-saving efforts, but the man died from his injuries at the scene. He will be identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.