A Lakewood police officer was killed and three other officers were wounded Thursday evening when a man they approached near a bus outside Denver opened fire, Colorado authorities said.
Officers returned fire, and the gunman died at the scene. A civilian was also hurt in the gunfight and was taken to a hospital.
Police had been called to the corner of Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard at about 6:30 p.m. over someone acting suspiciously. They found a man trying to get on a Regional Transportation District bus, and he started shooting almost as soon as officers walked up, said John Romero, a public information officer for the Lakewood department.
Officials did not immediately say how badly the three wounded officers or the civilian were hurt.
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.
John Romero, Lakewood Police public information officer
Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement that he was heartbroken that an officer had died in the line of duty. He said the three other officers were still being treated at area hospitals and wished them and the injured civilian a full recovery.
Polis added that Colorado State Patrol troopers were helping at the scene and joining a procession from the hospital to honor the officer who died.
A Jefferson County team that handles critical incidents is investigating the police shooting, assisted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
The Regional Transportation District said it was deeply concerned by the violence and that the safety of its riders, workers and partners comes first.
