LITTLETON, Colo. – A suspected intruder shot and killed by an off-duty Denver Police officer inside the officer’s Littleton home had a lengthy criminal history, including prior burglary charges. The suspect's identity was released Monday.
Kerry Dean Hughes, 53, was shot after allegedly breaking into the unidentified officer’s home in the in the 6200 block of South Spotswood Street Friday afternoon.
Police say the homeowner was asleep in the basement but awoke to Hughes breaking-in. The officer reportedly heard a noise upstairs and shot Hughes from the base of the stairs.
Hughes was taken to a hospital for treatment but was declared dead a few hours later. The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office said Hughes was shot in the chest and the cause of the shooting has been classified as a homicide.
According to records pulled by Denver7, Hughes is no stranger to the criminal justice system. His record dates back to 2001 and includes charges of burglary and drugs. He's been picked up on multiple occasions with burglary tools in his possession, according to CBI records.
The Denver officer was taken to the police department for questioning, but it's not clear if charges will be filed or if the case falls under Colorado's "Make My Day" law. The law allows homeowners to shoot home invaders if they feel their lives -- or the lives of anyone in the house -- are at risk.
No other details surrounding the incident have been released. Police say the investigation of the shooting is ongoing.
