Lakewood police agent killed, three agents and civilian injured in bus shooting

Lakewood police agent Nicholas Graham, 33, died after a shooting aboard an RTD bus Thursday evening that also injured three other agents and a civilian. Police described the surviving agents’ injuries as serious to critical. The extent of the civilian’s injuries was not known.

According to Lakewood police, a suspect in an earlier hit-and-run was seen boarding the bus near West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard around 6:30 p.m. Agents approached him aboard the bus, where police said he opened fire. The agents returned fire, killing the suspect.

At a press conference, Lakewood Police Chief Philip Smith identified the slain agent as Nicholas Allen Graham and described his service to the department and community. Graham joined the department on January 14, 2019, and graduated with its 2019-1 academy class. Smith said Graham brought dedication, compassion and a readiness to help others to both patrol duties and major crimes investigations.

Graham became a field training agent in 2023, helping new officers build their skills and judgment. Smith said he secured a position in the investigations division after ranking first in the selection process. With the Major Crimes team, Graham handled 322 cases, the largest assigned caseload of any team member. His father recently retired from the force, and his mother worked in a crime lab.

Smith said details about Graham’s funeral would be announced in the coming days. The department expressed grief over his death and support for his loved ones. Police were expected to provide additional information Friday. The First Judicial Critical Incident Response Team will investigate the case, following the established protocol, according to Lakewood police.

RTD said the shooting happened on a bus operated under contract for its Route 76 service. Transit personnel responded immediately and were cooperating with Lakewood police. The agency reported no effects on service at the time of its statement and said the safety of customers, employees and partners remained its highest priority.

RTD CEO Debra Johnson expressed sympathy for the victims and acknowledged the effect of the shooting on their loved ones, other passengers, the bus operator, response staff and agency partners. She also reaffirmed RTD’s commitment to providing a welcoming experience for customers.

Governor Jared Polis offered condolences to the killed agent’s family and friends and wished the injured agents and civilian a full recovery. In his statement, Polis said the three surviving agents were receiving care at area hospitals and thanked law enforcement personnel for their work protecting communities.