Lakewood police officer killed, 3 officers shot, 1 civilian shot on RTD bus

Lakewood police confirmed four officers were shot during a shootout with a suspect. One of these officers died.

At a news conference around 9:30 p.m., Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero said officers were called to the intersection of West Colfax Ave. and Wadsworth Blvd. on reports of a suspicious person. The suspect was boarding an RTD bus. When the police approached him, he opened fire. The police responded by hitting the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Four Lakewood officers were hit and taken to the hospital. A passerby was also injured and taken to hospital.

RTD released a statement that read: RTD is deeply concerned about the shooting that occurred this evening aboard an RTD contracted bus serving Route 76 in Lakewood. Our thoughts are with those directly affected by this incident. The safety and well-being of our customers, employees and partners remains our top priority. RTD personnel immediately responded to the incident and are fully cooperating with the Lakewood Police Department in their investigation. There is currently no impact on RTD service.

Police closed the intersection of Bannock Street and N. Speer Boulevard. outside of Denver Health. There was a large police presence from agencies across the metro area.

St. Anthony Hospital released a statement saying there was one patient suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. They have not confirmed if this patient is an officer.

A witness at the scene said a car crashed into an RTD bus and then heard 13 gunshots. Patrick Dickman told CBS Colorado he was inside the Easy Pawn when he heard the gunshots. He said the officer surrounded the back of the bus and fired at it. He also said he saw about 5 ambulances leaving the scene.

Lakewood police said the investigation is ongoing and additional details will be released as they become available.

Governor Polis released a statement saying:

“Law enforcement officers risk their lives for our safety every day and I am heartbroken to learn that a Lakewood police officer was killed in the line of duty tonight. My heart goes out to their family and friends. My thoughts also go out to the three officers who are still receiving treatment in area hospitals, as well as the civilian who was injured, and I wish them a full and speedy recovery. Thank you to the law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and protect our communities.”