A Lakewood, Colorado, police officer was killed and three others were injured in a shooting Thursday evening near a bus outside Denver, authorities said.
Officers responded around 6:30 p.m. to a report of a suspicious person near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, according to Lakewood police. They encountered the person as he attempted to board a bus.
The suspect opened fire moments after officers approached, hitting four members of the department, Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero said at a news conference.
“We are very sorry to report that one of those agents has been pronounced dead of their injuries,” Romero said.
Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero said one officer died and three others were wounded during the exchange of gunfire Thursday evening. (KDVR)
Police shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, Romero said.
A civilian was also hurt and taken to a nearby hospital.
Authorities did not immediately release information about the civilian’s injuries or provide an update on the conditions of the three officers who survived.
Investigators said the suspect was trying to board a Regional Transportation District, or RTD, bus when police made contact.
One Lakewood police officer was killed and three others were injured in Thursday evening’s shooting. (KDVR)
“Within seconds of agents approaching the suspect, the suspect opened fire on our agents,” Romero said.
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Romero also offered words of support to the slain officer’s loved ones.
“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 confrontation.
“Law enforcement put their lives on the line for our safety everyday 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 added. “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 helping secure the scene and taking part in a hospital procession held to honor the fallen officer.
The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team is handling the investigation, with assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
RTD said it was “deeply concerned” about the shooting.
Lakewood officers responded to a suspicious-person report near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard around 6:30 p.m. Thursday before the shooting began. (KDVR)
“Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident,” the transit agency said. “The safety and well-being of our customers, employees, and partners remain our highest priority.”
