An investigation into the fatal shooting of a suspected drunk driver, who allegedly pointed a gun at an Adams County sheriff's deputy, is ongoing.

The incident happened at about 6 p.m. Monday at Quebec Street and East 144th Avenue, according to the Adams County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators recovered a hand gun at the scene, said Sgt. Terrance O'Neill, a sheriff's spokesman.

The name of the victim was not released Tuesday, pending notification of family and an autopsy, according to the Adams County Coroner's Office.

The man, in his 40s, was shot after he crashed his car.

Another driver, a woman, had been following the man because he had been weaving through traffic and she suspected him of drinking and driving, O'Neill said. She called 911 for help.

When a deputy arrived a short time later the car had crashed and the man was crouched by the witnesses car with a case of beer nearby.

"After several verbal commands by our deputy, he stood up, pointed a pistol at our deputy and was shot twice," O'Neill said.

The deputy, who was the lone law officer at the scene at the time, fired two shots, O'Neill said.

Firefighters and emergency medical responders from Thornton and Brighton arrived and worked on the man at the scene, where he was eventually pronounced dead.

The deputy, a 13-year-veteran of the office, is on paid administrative leave while the shooting is under investigation by the Adams County Critical Incident Team, which is made up of law enforcement investigators from throughout the county, O'Neill said.

The district attorney's office will eventually determine whether the shooting was justified.

Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/kierannicholson