Lakewood officer killed, three wounded in bus shootout in Colorado
One Lakewood police officer was shot dead and three colleagues wounded in a Thursday night confrontation with a suspect near an RTD bus. The suspect was also killed by police.
Officer shot dead in Lakewood bus ambush, three colleagues wounded
A Lakewood Police Department officer was killed and three others wounded in a shootout Thursday evening involving a suspect on or near a Regional Transportation District bus in Lakewood, Colorado, coloradosun.com reports.
Officers were dispatched to the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard at approximately 6:30 p.m. following reports of a suspicious person. When they arrived, the suspect — who was attempting to board the bus — opened fire on them, according to police.
The suspect, described only as a man, was shot by officers and died at the scene. A bystander was also injured in the incident.
Lakewood police spokesperson John Romero said at a press conference near the scene Thursday night that it remained unclear whether the shooting took place on or immediately outside the bus. "I believe it was on the bus," Romero told reporters, "but I do not have that information to confirm for you right now."
Romero added that the suspect may have been linked to an earlier incident. "It appears that the suspect had been involved — possibly — in a hit-and-run earlier in the day," he said. "We will be releasing more tomorrow."
Police have not released the name of the officer killed, the names of the three wounded officers, or the identity of the suspect. Romero confirmed the wounded officers were being treated at one or more hospitals but did not provide details on their condition.
RTD posted on social media that it was "deeply concerned" by a shooting that occurred "aboard" one of its buses. "Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident," the transit authority said.
Aerial footage from a television news helicopter showed a heavy police presence around a bus at the intersection. A line of law enforcement vehicles was also seen outside Denver Health medical center, apparently forming a procession for the officer who died.
Romero addressed the department's grief directly. "Right now, our main concern is the family of our fallen agent and our agents here at the Lakewood Police Department," he 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."
Colorado Governor 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. He added that his thoughts were also with the three officers still receiving hospital care, the wounded civilian, and expressed gratitude to law enforcement. "Thank you to law enforcement who run into danger to keep us safe and to protect our communities," the governor said.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)