Suspect, wanted in earlier hit-and-run, shot and killed by police; one civilian also injured
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A Lakewood police agent was killed and three others were wounded Thursday evening when a man opened fire on officers near an RTD bus at West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, according to the Lakewood Police Department. Officers returned fire and killed the suspect at the scene. A civilian was also hurt.
Police were called to the intersection around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, for a report of a suspicious person trying to board an RTD bus, police spokesperson John Romero said at a news conference about 9:30 p.m. Romero said the man was believed to be connected to a hit-and-run earlier that day.
Romero said the suspect began shooting within seconds of agents approaching him, and a gunfight followed. Four agents were struck. All were taken to area hospitals, where one died.
The department has not released the name of the agent who was killed. In a statement, the department called the agent a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for Lakewood.
Denver7 reported, citing the department, that the three wounded agents were in stable condition. Police had not detailed their injuries as of Thursday night. Several were treated at Denver Health Medical Center, where a procession of law enforcement vehicles formed late Thursday.
It is not yet clear how the civilian was hurt or what their condition is, Romero said. He also said he was unsure whether the shooting happened on the bus or just outside it.
RTD said the incident involved a contractor-operated bus on Route 76 and that it is cooperating with investigators. A witness told CBS Colorado he heard about 13 shots from inside a nearby pawn shop.
Gov. Jared Polis said he was heartbroken by the agent’s death and wished the injured a full recovery. The Colorado State Patrol also offered condolences.
The First Judicial District’s Critical Incident Response Team will investigate the shooting, which is standard protocol for police shootings in Jefferson County, according to Lakewood police.
How the story developed
The first emergency alert, relayed by Alertpage on Thursday evening, reported shots fired at 7455 W. Colfax Ave. and a confirmed officer shot. A later alert said three officers were injured. Lakewood police later confirmed four agents were shot, including the one who died.
Still unknown
- Names of the fallen agent, the wounded agents and the suspect
- The wounded agents’ specific injuries
- How the civilian was injured and their condition
- Details of the earlier hit-and-run and the weapon used
- Whether the shooting happened on or beside the bus
This is a developing story and will be updated as officials release more information.
