"I didn't want to let him win". Powerful words from Lakewood Police Officer Ashley Ferris on her takedown of a mass shooting suspect. Thanks to her incredible bravery, countless lives were saved. After 5 months of recovery, she is about ready to get back to work.
By taking down the suspect, Officer Ferris ended a multi-city killing rampage.
“I don’t feel like a hero,... I feel like I did my job.”
Officer Ashley Ferris
It all went down on December 27, 2021 when a gunman killed two women and injured a man in Denver, Colorado. This began a rampage that made it's way into Lakewood where Police cornered the shooter at a mall. Officer Ferris was holding down a corner of the blockade when she was approached by what she thought was another Officer.
The man, wearing a Police vest and reloading a handgun, boldly approached the perimeter. This caught Ferris off-guard but she knew something was off. She challenged the man, who then shot her in the stomach. As she went down, Ferris returned fire on the fleeing gunman. Her shots made their mark, but the bullet in her body had done severe damage.
“The scariest part for me was when the other officer carried me into St. Anthony’s Hospital — he had me over his shoulder — and he was yelling ‘Officer down! Officer down!... Thinking about that even right now still gives me goosebumps. It’s hard for me to believe that I was the officer down.”
Officer Ashley Ferris
While Officer Ferris had severe nerve damage from the wound, she never once questioned returning to duty. Since the incident, she has been working a desk for the Lakewood Police department but is expected to return to patrol duty on Monday next week.
This is an incredible story of a good woman with a gun stopping a bad guy with a gun, and of a heroic Police Officer doing what they do best: putting their lives on the line for the safety of their community.
Officer Ferris has been overwhelmingly supported by her family, department, and local community. We would like to extend that support by thanking her for her incredible service. We hope that you will join us in this support by leaving a comment expressing your appreciation.
Such heroic law enforcement for America ❤️
Our law enforcement folks nation wide are second to none. If you want it done right get a woman to do it. THEY do not miss their intended targets. Ashley, I am a stranger to you but, so very proud of you. Thank you for your service to your community.
May the Good Lord shine his face upon and give you his peace!!!!!
Thank you for your service Officer Ferris. May you recover from your injury stronger than ever. God Bless.
So proud of you, Officer Ferris!!! Such an act of bravery and love for our people and country. May God🙏 bless you more👌👍
In my years as a cop I met many ladies who were afraid of nothing! I knew if I put in a help call they would tear someone a new assholle!
Thank you, Officer Ferris, for your brave & caring service. I thank GOD, every day, for our police who get very little appreciation. May GOD bless & protect you every day.
Hand salute
Sorry it had to happen at all. THANK YOU! God bless
As a retired LAPD/LAFD officer, I salute you young lady. You are a true All American Hero!!!! God Bless and keep you and your compadres safe!!
Officer Ferris, thank you for your service ! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way . God Bless you and keep you safe 💙🙏🏻🖤
To All Police Officers:
I AM VERY THANKFUL
For Your Service❣️🙏🏻💙
I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers for your full recovery to the force and thank you for your service to your community.
Officer Ferris is the epitome of the word "Hero"! Know well that herr peers and your country hold her in the highest regard as a police officer.
Did her bullet proof vest not stop some of the damage
Thank you to all our Police Officers all around the country. I appreciate you for putting your lives on the line for us. I pray our government would do the same and step up and give you what you so deserve respect and a hugh raise or bonus. the government uses and abuses you.
GOD BLESS ALL POLICE AND 1ST RESPONDERS MY DAD WAS A COP 30 YEARS I PRAY MOST OF ALL JESUS LIVES IN THEIRS HEARTS AS THEY FACE ETERNITY ON EVERY CALL ,RIGHT ??
Dear officer Ferris,
I/ do not live in Colorado, but am thankful everyday for the men and women in Blue. Thank YOU for your selfless service. May you continue to heal, emotionally and physically even as you return to your normal duties.. I hope the people there appreciate the service you and your fellow officers provide. May the Lord bless you!
im glad to see a ofender get his just rewards ,i dont like an officer geting shot by a scum bag !thank to the democraps these repeat ofenders get a slap on the wrist and releasted ,to repeat again! its time to stop this crap, our police need the the support of this countrys people ! we need to defund those liberal,comunist full of shit democraps !
This is a prime reason why we should always back the blue. Officer Ferris took a bullet for the collective community and managed to stop the shooter. Not one of these anti police activist would ever take a a bullet for their community. God bless officer Ferris for heroic actions. May she a make a full recovery and bask in the adoration of all she serves in her community.
Yes, she did her job: TO serve and Protect" and she is Truly a Hero.
Kudos to this brave lady. Sounds like she's also going through a full recovery and I wish her well. I'd be proud to know her.
Great job, Officer Ferris! Delighted to hear you're able to return to full duty now! Lakewood needs fine officers like you.
Officer Ferris is one badass cop. I live in Colorado and I thank God for people like her.
I am glad that GOD protected her from major harm. Only about 65 % of officers in smaller towns have vests to protect them. May GOD keep protecting her. AMEN LORD
A truly beautiful woman, who put others before self. May God bless you,for your unselfish act of courage.
"Good noW!"!,B"H. My mouth is silent, I have no words, your courage, beauty & recovery is an example to su all, G-d blesses you , B"H, noW!, is forever, Thank Hashem that I have now met you. May your days and nights be filled with warmth & good health & prosperity and keeping us safe.
She did her job & did it well. One for shure he will not do anything bad again!!!
good job Ashley, glad you made it through the pain.. good to have you back on the streets soon.
What a shining example of a Human Being doing her job...