Colo. Police Agent Killed, 3 Wounded in Bus Shootout With Gunman
What to Know
- A Lakewood police agent was killed and three other agents were wounded when a gunman opened fire as officers approached him near an RTD bus in the Denver metro area.
- Police said the suspect began shooting while trying to board a Route 76 bus; the gunman was fatally shot by responding agents.
- A civilian was also injured in the exchange of gunfire, and investigators are reviewing the incident.
DENVER—A Lakewood Police Department agent was killed and three others were wounded after a man open fired on them while boarding a Regional Transportation District bus at a busy metro Denver intersection Thursday night.
The four police agents were shot while responding to a suspicious person reported near West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard on Thursday night, agency spokesperson John Romero said. The shooter was also killed by police gunfire.
The shooter was trying to get on the bus and started firing at agents when they approached him around 6:30 p.m., Romero said.
The man was shot by police and was pronounced dead at the scene. A civilian was also wounded in the gunfight.
Romero said some of the agents were taken to Denver Health, where one died of their injuries. Gov. Jared Polis’ office confirmed the injured civilian was also taken to a hospital and is receiving treatment.
Romero did not identify the agent who died.
“Our main concern is the family of our agent who died, and our other agents who were shot,” Romero said.
Romero declined to answer questions about a red car that crashed into the bus. He said more information would be available Friday.
The Jefferson County Critical Incident Team is investigating police actions in the shooting.
RTD officials released a statement on Thursday night that the agency was deeply concerned by the shooting on the bus servicing Route 76.
“Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident,” officials wrote in a statement posted on X.com. “The safety and well-being of our customers, employees and partners remain our highest priority.”
In a statement after the shooting, Polis said he was heartbroken to learn that the Lakewood police agent was killed and three others injured.
“Thank you to law enforcement who run into danger to keep us safe and to protect our communities,” Polis said.
Law enforcement agencies from across Colorado began posting statements of support in the hours after the deadly shooting.
“What happened Thursday night will be felt throughout Lakewood and across Colorado’s law enforcement community,” the Denver Department of Public Safety said in a statement. “We ask everyone to keep those affected by this tragedy close in their thoughts and prayers.”
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