One police officer was killed and three others injured after a shooting involving a suspect aboard a public transport bus in Lakewood, Colorado, on Thursday evening. The suspect was also killed in the incident, while a civilian sustained injuries.
The shooting took place near the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, west of Sloan Lake. According to local reports, the incident occurred aboard a Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus operating on Route 76.
Lakewood Police officers had responded to a report of a suspicious person aboard the bus when the suspect allegedly opened fire. Four police personnel were shot during the encounter, with one later confirmed dead. The three injured officers and the civilian were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed grief over the death of the officer and extended his wishes for the recovery of those injured.
In a statement, Polis said he was heartbroken by the loss of the officer, adding that his thoughts were with the officer’s family and colleagues, as well as the three injured personnel and the civilian.
The incident triggered a major emergency response, with a large number of law enforcement vehicles deployed in the area. A procession of police vehicles was also seen outside Denver Health, where some of the injured were taken.
Authorities urged residents to avoid the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard as investigators examined the scene. The Colorado State Patrol assisted with the response, while the Colorado Bureau of Investigation supported the probe.
RTD confirmed that the shooting took place aboard a contracted bus serving Route 76 and said it was cooperating with Lakewood Police. The agency also said there were no disruptions to its wider services.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased officer or the suspect. Further details about the circumstances leading to the shooting are awaited as the investigation continues.
