A police officer was fatally shot and three others were wounded during a gunfight with a suspect in Lakewood, Colorado, on Thursday evening. The suspect was also killed by police fire, authorities confirmed.
The incident began around 6:30 p.m. local time when Lakewood police responded to a report of a suspicious person near the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, a spokesperson for the Lakewood Police Department said. The suspect was attempting to board a Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus when officers approached. Within seconds of the encounter, the suspect opened fire on the officers, prompting a gunfight.
All four officers were struck by gunfire and transported to area hospitals. One officer was pronounced dead at the scene, while the conditions of the three wounded officers have not been disclosed. A civilian was also injured during the incident, though authorities have not provided details on how the injury occurred.
Police have not released the identities of the deceased officer, the wounded officers, or the suspect. The investigation is being handled by the Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team, as per standard procedure for officer-involved shootings in the region.
Authorities have not confirmed a motive but noted that the suspect may have been involved in a hit-and-run incident earlier in the day. No further details about this possible connection have been provided.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) issued a statement expressing deep concern over the shooting and confirmed that its personnel responded immediately and are fully cooperating with the Lakewood Police Department’s investigation.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis released a statement offering condolences to the fallen officer’s family and colleagues, stating, "Law enforcement put their lives on the line for our safety every day, and I am heartbroken to learn that a Lakewood Police Agent was killed in the line of duty this evening." Polis added that his thoughts were also with the three injured officers.
Lakewood Police have urged the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues. No additional updates have been provided regarding the suspect’s identity or the ongoing forensic analysis.