Associated Press
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A suburban Denver officer was killed and three others were wounded during a shootout on a transit bus that ended with police fatally shooting the gunman, law enforcement said Friday. A bystander was also injured.
The Lakewood officers had responded to a call Thursday evening about a suspicious person attempting to get on a public bus, police spokesperson John Romero said during a news conference. The person may have been involved in a hit-and-run earlier that day, he said.
The man began shooting when officers boarded the Regional Transportation District bus and they fired back, killing the man, authorities said in an update on social media.
The three surviving officers were in stable condition at local hospitals, police said. The bystander’s condition wasn’t known, and it wasn’t clear how they were injured. The names of those involved have not been released.
“Words cannot express the profound sorrow our department and community feel tonight over the loss of our fallen hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Lakewood,” the police department posted on social media. “Our hearts are heavy, and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their loved ones, lifting them up in unwavering support, love, and prayer during this unimaginable time.”
Police said they planned to give another update on Friday.
The shootout happened at a busy intersection about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of downtown Denver.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said police from his city were assisting Lakewood officials.
“Every day, first responders across our metro area carry a weight most of us never have to, and we’re grateful for that enormous sacrifice,” he said in a Facebook post.
The Regional Transportation District said it is deeply concerned by the shooting and is fully cooperating with police as they conduct their investigation.
Colorado State Patrol said in a statement that their hearts are broken over the death of the officer.
“To the three additional Lakewood Agents who were injured in tonight’s shooting, we are sending our deepest prayers, strength and best wishes for a full recovery,” the statement said.
