Lakewood Police officer shot dead on RTD bus, three officers critically wounded
A Lakewood Police officer was killed and three colleagues wounded in a shootout on a Regional Transportation District bus in Colorado. The suspect was shot and killed by police.
Gunman opens fire on RTD bus in Lakewood, killing one officer and wounding three others
A Lakewood Police Department officer was shot dead and three colleagues wounded during a confrontation with a gunman on a Regional Transportation District bus on Thursday evening, 9news.com reports. A bystander was also injured in the incident.
Officers were dispatched to the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard at around 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 Lakewood police.
Police returned fire and shot the suspect dead.
The names of the killed officer, the wounded officers, and the suspect have not been released. The three wounded officers were taken to hospital; police later confirmed their injuries ranged from serious to critical, but that all were in a stable condition.
"It appears that the suspect had been involved — possibly — in a hit-and-run earlier in the day," Lakewood police spokesperson John Romero said at a news conference near the scene Thursday night. "We will be releasing more tomorrow."
Romero emphasised the department's focus on the fallen officer's family. "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."
Images from a television news helicopter showed a heavy police presence around the bus at the intersection. A long line of law enforcement vehicles was later seen outside Denver Health Medical Center ahead of a procession for the officer killed in the shooting.
Regional Transportation District posted about the shooting on social media, stating it was "deeply concerned" by an incident that occurred "aboard" one of its buses. "Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident," RTD said.
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. "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."
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)