A Colorado police officer was killed and three others were wounded Thursday evening in a shooting near a bus outside Denver, authorities said.
Lakewood police said officers responded at about 6:30 p.m. to reports of a suspicious person near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. They encountered a suspect who was trying to board a bus.
The suspect opened fire as officers approached, striking four of them, Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero said during a news conference.
“We are very sorry to report that one of those agents has been pronounced dead of their injuries,” Romero said.
Police returned fire, striking the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, Romero said.
A civilian was also wounded and taken to a nearby hospital.
Authorities did not immediately release details about the severity of the injuries or the conditions of the three surviving officers.
Police said the suspect was attempting to board a Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus when officers moved in.
“Within seconds of agents approaching the suspect, the suspect opened fire on our agents,” Romero said.
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Romero also offered an emotional message to the fallen officer’s family:
“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 issued a statement after the deadly shooting.
“Law enforcement put their lives on the line for our safety every day and I am heartbroken to learn that a Lakewood Police Agent was killed in the line of duty this evening,” Polis wrote.
“My heart goes out to their family and friends,” he continued. “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.”
Polis said the Colorado State Patrol was assisting at the scene and taking part in a hospital procession honoring the fallen officer.
The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting with assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
RTD also released a statement saying it was “deeply concerned” about the shooting.
“Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident,” the statement read. “The safety and well-being of our customers, employees, and partners remain our highest priority.”
