One Colorado police officer was killed and three others were wounded Thursday night in a shooting near a bus in the Denver area, authorities said.
Lakewood police officers were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a suspicious person near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. They encountered the individual as he tried to board a bus, according to police.
The suspect then opened fire, hitting four officers, Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero said at a news conference.
“We are very sorry to report that one of those agents has been pronounced dead of their injuries,” Romero said.
Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero confirmed that one officer died and three others were injured in a gunbattle with a suspect Thursday evening. (KDVR)
Police shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, Romero said.
A civilian also suffered injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.
Authorities did not immediately release information about the civilian’s injuries or provide an update on the conditions of the three officers who survived.
Investigators said the suspect was trying to get onto a Regional Transportation District, or RTD, bus when officers approached.
A Lakewood police officer was killed and three others were injured in Thursday evening’s shooting. (KDVR)
“Within seconds of agents approaching the suspect, the suspect opened fire on our agents,” Romero said.
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Romero offered an emotional message to the family of the officer who died:
“We just want the family to know that we love them, that we’re here for them, and Lakewood Police Department is a family, and we will be here for each other.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a statement after the fatal confrontation.
“Law enforcement put their lives on the line for our safety everyday and I am heartbroken to learn that a Lakewood Police Agent was killed in the line of duty this evening,” Polis wrote.
“My heart goes out to their family and friends,” he added. “My thoughts are also with the three agents who are still receiving care at area hospitals, as well as the civilian who was wounded, and I wish them a full and speedy recovery. Thank you to law enforcement who run into danger to keep us safe and to protect our communities.”
Polis said the Colorado State Patrol was helping at the scene and taking part in a hospital procession honoring the fallen officer.
The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team is heading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with assistance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
RTD said it was “deeply concerned” about the shooting.
Lakewood police responded to a suspicious-person report near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard around 6:30 p.m. Thursday before the shooting began. (KDVR)
“Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident,” the statement said. “The safety and well-being of our customers, employees, and partners remain our highest priority.”