DENVER -- A Denver police officer shot a man they said broke into a home and tried to kill his sister and her family, authorities said Monday afternoon.

Police spokeswoman Detective Sharon Avendano said officers responded to a request for a welfare check about 4 a.m. Monday after a report that a man, later identified as Samson Ferde, was trying to cut himself.

When officers arrived, Ferde was gone and a large amount of blood was found on the floor, Avendano said.

Aurora police asked Denver police to check on Ferde’s sister, who lives in Montbello. As Denver police were headed to the sister’s home, 911 dispatch received a call saying Ferde was trying to break into his sister's home and was threatening to kill her and her family, Avendano said.

Police arrived and confronted Ferde, who was covered with a large amount of blood, police said.

“Officers ordered Samson Ferde to get down; he initially complied by dropping to his knees but then refused to comply further as additional orders were given by the officers.” Avendano said.

He then “got up, turned and charged towards the officer while holding something in his hand,” Avendano said.

Ferde was within 2 feet of the officer when he was shot, police said. Paramedics took him to Denver Health for treatment.

A 3- by 5-inch cross was later found where Ferde fell. Police said a search of the truck that he drove to the scene revealed a knife stained with what appeared to be blood.

Avendano said the officer who shot Ferde was transported to the same hospital for minor medical attention. Police didn't immediately release his name, but said he was a 2 1/2-year veteran assigned to District 5 in the patrol division.