Lakewood Officer Killed in Bus Shootout Near Denver, Three Wounded
A Lakewood Police officer died Thursday after a suspect opened fire on officers near a Denver RTD bus. Three officers and a bystander were also injured; the gunman was shot dead.
Suspect Opens Fire on Officers Boarding RTD Bus in Lakewood, Colorado
A Lakewood Police Department officer was shot and killed Thursday evening during a confrontation with a gunman on or near a Regional Transportation District bus, according to NYT US News. Three other officers were wounded in the exchange, and a bystander was also injured. The suspect, a man whose identity has not been released, was shot dead by police at the scene.
Officers were dispatched at approximately 6:30 p.m. to the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard following reports of a suspicious person. When they arrived, the suspect — who was in the process of boarding the bus — opened fire on them, according to Lakewood police.
Lakewood police spokesperson John Romero told reporters at a news conference Thursday night that the precise location of the shooting — whether inside the bus or just outside it — had not yet been confirmed.
"I believe it was on the bus," Romero said, "but I do not have that information to confirm for you right now."
RTD posted on social media that it was "deeply concerned" by a shooting that occurred "aboard" one of its buses, adding: "Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident."
Romero said investigators believe the suspect may have been involved in a hit-and-run earlier in the day. "It appears that the suspect had been involved — possibly — in a hit-and-run earlier in the day," he said, adding that additional information would be released Friday.
The names of the slain officer, the three wounded officers, and the suspect were not disclosed. Romero said the wounded officers were receiving treatment at one or more hospitals but did not detail their conditions.
"Right now, our main concern is the family of our fallen agent and our agents here at the Lakewood Police Department," Romero said. "The Lakewood Police Department is a family, and we will be here for each other."
Aerial footage from a television news helicopter showed a heavy police presence surrounding a bus at the intersection. A line of law enforcement vehicles gathered outside Denver Health medical center for what appeared to be a procession honoring the officer killed in the shooting.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a written statement saying he was "heartbroken" by the shooting. "My heart goes out to their family and friends," Polis said of the slain officer. He also extended his wishes to the three officers still receiving care and to the wounded civilian. "Thank you to law enforcement who run into danger to keep us safe and to protect our communities," Polis added.
Source: NYT US News