By Sohaib Shams
One police officer was killed and three others were wounded Thursday night in a gunfight with a suspect in Lakewood, Colorado, about five miles west of Denver. The suspect was also killed in the exchange of gunfire, and a civilian was injured, though the circumstances remain unclear.
Details of the incident
Officers were called to the area of Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard around 6:30 p.m. local time for a report of a suspicious person who may have been involved in a hit-and-run earlier in the day. When officers encountered the suspect, he was attempting to board a Regional Transportation District bus. According to Lakewood Police public information officer John Romero, the suspect opened fire within seconds of officers approaching, leading to a gunfight.
Casualties and investigation
All four officers were transported to area hospitals, where one was pronounced dead. The conditions of the three wounded officers have not been released. The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team will handle the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The identities of the deceased officer and the suspect have not been disclosed.
Official statements
Romero emphasized the department's support for the fallen officer's family and the Lakewood Police community. RTD, the transit agency, issued a statement expressing deep concern over the shooting aboard a Route 76 bus and prioritizing the safety of customers and employees. Colorado Governor Jared Polis posted on social media, saying he was heartbroken by the loss of an officer in the line of duty.
