LAKEWOOD — An officer was killed and three others were wounded during a firefight in a Denver suburb on Thursday evening with a man who was fatally shot by police.
The suspect was killed in the gunfire, John Romero, the public information officer with the Lakewood Police Department, told reporters at a press conference.
A civilian was also injured in the incident, but the circumstances are unclear, he said.
Officers were called to the area of Colfax and Wadsworth, in Lakewood, about 5 miles west of downtown Denver, at about 6:30 p.m. local time for the report of a “suspicious person,” who may have been involved in a hit-and-run earlier in the day, Romero said.
Police cars are seen outside Denver Health following reports of an officer-involved shooting involving Lakewood Police.
When officers encountered the suspect he was attempting to get on a Regional Transportation District bus, Romero said.
“Within seconds of agents approaching the suspect, the suspect opened fire on our agents. A gunfight ensued,” he said.
All four officers were taken to area hospitals, where one of them died. Romero said he did not have the conditions of the three wounded officers.
The identity of the victims and the suspect have not been released.
Lakewood Police are investigating the shooting and asked the public to avoid the area.
“Right now, our main concern is the family of our fallen agent and our agents here at the Lakewood Police Department,” Romero said. “We just want the family to know that we love them, that we’re here for them, and Lakewood Police Department is a family, and we will be here for each other.”
The Regional Transportation District said it is deeply concerned by the shooting and that it is fully cooperating with police as they conducts their investigation.
“RTD is deeply concerned by the shooting that occurred this evening aboard an RTD-contracted operated bus servicing Route 76 in Lakewood. Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident. The safety and well-being of our customers, employees and partners remain our highest priority,” it said in a statement.
Colorado State Patrol said in a statement that their hearts are broken over the death of the officer.
In a statement posted on social media, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said: “Law enforcement put their lives on the line for our safety everyday and I am heartbroken to learn that a Lakewood Police Agent was killed in the line of duty this evening.”
Source: Saudi Gazette