A Lakewood Police Department officer was killed and three others were wounded in a shootout Thursday night on or near a Regional Transportation District bus.
The suspect, a man, was also shot by police and killed. Additionally, a bystander was hurt in the incident.
Lakewood police said they were summoned to the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard on reports of a suspicious person at about 6:30 p.m. When officers arrived, police say the suspect — who was attempting to board the bus — started shooting at them.
RTD posted about the shooting on social media, saying it was “deeply concerned” by a shooting that happened “aboard” one of its buses
“Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident,” RTD said in its post.
A Lakewood police spokesperson, John Romero, said he wasn’t sure if the shooting happened on or just outside of the bus.
“I believe it was on the bus,” he told reporters during a news conference at the shooting scene Thursday night, “but I do not have that information to confirm for you right now.”
Police have not released the name of the officer killed or those wounded, nor did they identify the suspect.
“It appears that the suspect had been involved — possibly — in a hit-and-run earlier in the day,” Romero said. “We will be releasing more tomorrow.”
Romero did not share information on the condition of the three officers who were wounded but survived the shooting. He said they were being treated at a hospital or hospitals.
“Right now, our main concern is the family of our fallen agent and our agents here at the Lakewood Police Department,” Romero said. “We just want the family to know that we love them, that we’re here for them. The Lakewood Police Department is a family, and we will be here for each other.”
Images from a television news helicopter showed a large police presence around a bus at the intersection where the shooting happened. A long line of law enforcement vehicles was lined up outside Denver Health medical center ahead of a procession, apparently for the officer killed in the shooting.
Gov. Jared Polis said in a written statement that he was “heartbroken” by the shooting.
“My heart goes out to their family and friends,” Polis said of the slain officer. “My thoughts are also with the three agents who are still receiving care at area hospitals, as well as the civilian who was wounded, and I wish them a full and speedy recovery. Thank you to law enforcement who run into danger to keep us safe and to protect our communities.”
This is a developing story that will be updated.
Type of Story: News
Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.