1 officer killed and 3 wounded in a firefight with a suspect in Lakewood, Colorado

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A suburban Denver officer was killed and three others were wounded during a firefight on a transit bus that ended with police fatally shooting the gunman, law enforcement authorities 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. A witness, Teddy O’Brien, told NBC affiliate KUSA-TV that he and several other drivers were stopped next to the bus at a red light when the shooting happened. He said several police cruisers surrounded the bus before officers rushed to it with guns and flashlights drawn. “They hopped on and then shots instantly started ringing from there,” he said. “I instantly just saw shots firing and I ducked down, because you know I’m freaking out at that point.” O’Brien said he saw only one or two people on the bus besides the driver. He said he heard about 30 or 40 gunshots and saw smoke and flashes of light coming from both the front and back of the bus. At a hospital after the shooting, dozens of area police officers gathered outside and a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace” in tribute to the officer who was killed. A long procession of police vehicles then left the hospital. Condolences poured in on social media for the officers and their families. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of the deceased officer’s memorial, which he said is still to be determined. “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 said in a statement. “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.” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said police from his city were assisting Lakewood officials. The Regional Transportation District said it is deeply concerned by the shooting and is fully cooperating with police as they conduct their investigation. “Our thoughts are with the victims involved in this tragic incident,” RTD general manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said in a statement. “RTD is deeply connected to the communities we serve, and events that occur within those communities can at times extend onto the transit system. While this incident is not reflective of the experience we strive to provide, our commitment to delivering a welcoming customer experience remains unwavering.” 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. Patrick Dickman was outside a nearby pawnshop when the shooting unfolded, he told NBC News. Dickman said at about 6:45 p.m., “I was inside the pawn shop, and right there, and it was, like, gunfire started erupting, and then I looked out, and I said, ‘that doesn’t sound good.’” He added that the gunshots sounded “rapid” and he guessed they were coming from an assault rifle or machine gun, he said. “There must have been, like, 700 cop cars down there,” after gunfire rang out, Dickman said, adding that he took cover behind a bus bench to avoid being caught in the crossfire. “I wish it was me instead of the cop that was shot, you know?” Dickman said. “I would take a bullet for any cop any day, you know?”