A Lakewood police officer was killed and three other officers were wounded in a shooting near a bus outside Denver on Thursday evening, authorities said. A civilian was also injured.
Police said officers were called to the area of Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard at about 6:30 p.m. after a report of a suspicious person. They encountered the suspect as the person was trying to board a Regional Transportation District bus.
The suspect opened fire shortly after officers approached, Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero said at a news conference. Four officers were hit. One later died, Romero said; authorities had not yet provided details about the condition of the three surviving officers.
Police shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured civilian was taken to a nearby hospital.
Romero offered condolences to the fallen officer’s family, saying the department would support them and one another through the loss.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he was heartbroken by the officer’s death and expressed sympathy for the officer’s loved ones. He also wished the wounded officers and civilian a full recovery and thanked law enforcement for protecting their communities.
Polis said the Colorado State Patrol was helping at the scene and taking part in a hospital procession honoring the officer.
The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the shooting, with assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
The Regional Transportation District said it was deeply concerned and that its thoughts were with everyone affected. The agency added that the safety of its customers, employees and partners remained a priority.
