A Lakewood police officer was killed and three others were wounded after a suspect opened fire near a bus in Colorado on Thursday evening. Officers had responded to a report of a suspicious person near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard when they encountered the suspect attempting to board a Regional Transportation District bus. The suspect was shot by police and pronounced dead at the scene, while a civilian was also injured and taken to a hospital. Authorities said an investigation into the officer-involved shooting is underway.
The incident occurred near Denver at about 6:30 p.m. Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero said the suspect opened fire within seconds of officers approaching. Officials had not immediately released the conditions of the three surviving officers or details about the civilian’s injuries.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Officers respond to a suspicious-person report |
| 2) | Gunfire erupts as suspect approaches a bus |
| 3) | One officer dies and three are wounded |
| 4) | Authorities identify the investigation team |
| 5) | Officials offer support to victims and families |
Officers respond to a suspicious-person report
Lakewood police were sent to the area of Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard at approximately 6:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a suspicious person. The location is near Denver and includes service from the Regional Transportation District. Officers encountered a person who was attempting to board a bus, prompting the police contact that preceded the shooting.
Authorities have not released additional details about the original suspicious-person report, including what led the caller to contact police. The known sequence began with officers approaching the suspect near the bus and quickly escalated into gunfire.
Gunfire erupts as suspect approaches a bus
According to John Romero, the suspect opened fire within seconds of officers approaching. Four officers were struck during the exchange, and police returned fire. The suspect was shot by officers and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting also injured a civilian, who was transported to a local hospital. Officials did not immediately disclose whether the civilian was on the bus, nearby, or involved in the police response. The circumstances leading to the gunfire remain part of the ongoing investigation.
“Within seconds of officers approaching the suspect, the suspect opened fire on our officers.”
One officer dies and three are wounded
One of the four officers died from injuries sustained in the shooting, according to Lakewood police. The other three officers were wounded and were receiving care at area hospitals. Authorities had not provided their conditions or released the identity of the fallen officer in the initial account.
The loss affected the department as officers and other law enforcement personnel supported the family of the officer who was killed. The civilian was also receiving medical treatment, but officials had not provided details about the extent of that person’s injuries.
Authorities identify the investigation team
The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The Colorado State Patrol was also assisting at the scene and participating in a procession from the hospital honoring the fallen officer.
The investigation is expected to establish the precise sequence of events, including the officers’ contact with the suspect, the exchange of gunfire, and the injuries to officers and the civilian. No further information about the suspect’s identity or motive was provided in the initial report.
Officials offer support to victims and families
Lakewood police expressed support for the fallen officer’s family and for the wounded officers. John Romero said the department would remain available to the family and described the police department as a family that would support one another.
“We just want the family to know that we love them, that we’re here for them, and Lakewood Police Department is a family, and we will be here for each other.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he was heartbroken by the officer’s death and extended his sympathy to the family and friends. He also expressed support for the three wounded officers and the injured civilian, while thanking law enforcement personnel who responded to the danger.
The Regional Transportation District said it was deeply concerned about the shooting and that the safety and well-being of its customers, employees, and partners remained a priority.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Four Lakewood officers were shot after approaching a suspect near a bus. |
| 2 | One officer died and three others were wounded. |
| 3 | Police shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. |
| 4 | A civilian was injured and taken to a hospital. |
| 5 | A regional critical incident team and state investigators are handling the case. |
Summary
The shooting near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard left one Lakewood police officer dead and three wounded after a suspect opened fire as officers approached near an RTD bus. The suspect died after being shot by police, and a civilian was also injured. Multiple agencies are investigating while officials provide support to the affected families and department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shooting occur?
It occurred near the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver and an RTD bus.
How many officers were injured?
Four officers were shot. One died from the injuries, while three others were wounded and treated at area hospitals.
What happened to the suspect?
Police shot the suspect after the gunfire, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation with support from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
