Lakewood officer dies after shootout on RTD bus
Police fatally shot a suspect who opened fire when officers boarded a transit vehicle Thursday night, leaving three officers and one bystander wounded.
By Martin Reynolds ·
A Lakewood police officer was killed and three colleagues were wounded during a firefight on a Regional Transportation District bus. Authorities confirmed the gunman was fatally shot by responding officers. A bystander also sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.
The incident occurred at a busy intersection approximately five miles west of downtown Denver. The shootout began when officers arrived at the scene on Thursday evening. They had been dispatched to a report of a suspicious individual attempting to board a transit bus. Police spokesperson John Romero stated at a Friday news conference that the suspect may have been involved in a hit-and-run earlier that day.
According to a social media update from authorities, the man began shooting once officers boarded the vehicle. The police returned fire and killed the suspect. Three surviving officers were transported to local hospitals in stable condition. The condition of the injured bystander was not immediately known, and the manner of their injury remained unclear. Names of the involved parties have not been released.
Teddy O'Brien, a witness to the event, told NBC affiliate KUSA-TV that he was stopped at a red light next to the bus. He described several police cruisers surrounding the vehicle before officers rushed toward it with guns and flashlights drawn. O'Brien stated that he heard approximately 30 to 40 gunshots and saw smoke and flashes of light emerging from both the front and back of the bus. He reported seeing only one or two other people on the bus in addition to the driver.
Lakewood police posted a statement on social media expressing their sorrow over the loss of the fallen officer. The department described the officer as making the ultimate sacrifice in service to Lakewood. The statement noted that the department stands with the officer's loved ones in support and prayer during this time. Police said they planned to provide another update on Friday.
Governor Jared Polis issued a statement expressing that he and others were heartbroken by the event. He thanked law enforcement for putting their lives on the line for safety and for running into danger to protect communities. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said that Denver police were assisting Lakewood officials. The Colorado State Patrol said their hearts were broken over the death of the officer and sent prayers for the full recovery of the three injured Lakewood agents.
The Regional Transportation District stated it is deeply concerned by the shooting and is fully cooperating with police during the investigation. At a hospital following the incident, dozens of area police officers gathered outside. A bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" in tribute to the officer who was killed. A long procession of police vehicles then departed the hospital.
