A Lakewood, Colorado, police officer was killed and three other officers were injured when a suspect opened fire near a bus on Thursday evening, authorities said. The suspect was also killed in the incident, and a civilian sustained injuries.
Lakewood police were responding to a report of a suspicious person around 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard when they encountered the suspect attempting to board a Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus. According to Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero, the suspect immediately opened fire on the officers.
"Within seconds of agents approaching the suspect, the suspect opened fire on our agents," Romero stated during a news conference.
Lakewood Police later confirmed that one officer had succumbed to their injuries. The suspect was shot by police and pronounced dead at the scene. The extent of the injuries for the three surviving officers and the condition of the civilian were not immediately released.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statement expressing his condolences. "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 wrote. "My heart goes out to their family and friends. 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."
The Colorado State Patrol is assisting at the scene, and a procession was planned to honor the fallen officer. The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with support from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. RTD also released a statement expressing concern for those affected by the incident, reaffirming that the safety of its customers and employees remains a top priority.