A Lakewood police agent was killed and three other officers were wounded during a shootout Thursday evening on a Regional Transportation District bus at the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
The incident began around 6:30 p.m. on November 5, 2026, when Lakewood Police Department officers responded to a report of a suspicious person attempting to board an RTD-contracted bus operating on Route 76, according to department spokesperson John Romero, according to KDVR. The man was allegedly connected to a hit-and-run earlier that day.
Gunfire Erupts Aboard Bus
As law enforcement approached, the suspect opened fire on the agents.
Tonight, our hearts are with the Lakewood Police Department following the tragic loss of an agent killed in the line of duty during a shooting that injured three other agents and a civilian. When tragedy strikes one of our public safety partners, it impacts us all. Our…
Almost immediately upon contacting that suspect, that suspect opened fire on Lakewood agents,
John Romero, Lakewood Police Public Information agent
Officers returned fire, striking the gunman, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Four Lakewood police agents were struck during the exchange, along with one civilian who was also wounded and transported to a hospital.
The wounded officers were rushed to area hospitals, including Denver Health. During a news conference, Romero delivered the department’s confirmation regarding the fatality.
We are very sorry to report that one of those agents has been pronounced dead of their injuries.
John Romero, Lakewood Police Public Information agent
Officers Line Speer Boulevard for Procession Honoring Fallen Officer
In the hours following the shooting, a large multi-agency law enforcement presence gathered outside Denver Health, where streets near Bannock Street and Speer Boulevard were closed off. Officers and vehicles lined Speer Boulevard for a procession honoring the fallen officer.
Gov. Jared Polis issued a statement offering condolences to the department and community.
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.
Gov. Jared Polis
The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, supported by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado State Patrol. RTD released a statement confirming that its personnel responded immediately and are fully cooperating with the Lakewood Police Department, noting that transit services experienced no disruptions.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident. The safety and well-being of our customers, employees and partners remain our highest priority,
RTD
Romero shared a message of solidarity on behalf of the agency.
Lakewood Police are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting near the corner of W Colfax Ave and Wadsworth Blvd. The investigation is on-going, please avoid the area. Additional details will be released as they become available. pic.twitter.com/9xni3aZNze
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 agent
Other regional agencies also expressed grief over the tragedy. The Denver Department of Public Safety noted in its statement that what occurred on Thursday night would be felt throughout Lakewood and across the state’s law enforcement community. CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital received a patient with non-life-threatening injuries following the incident. Meanwhile, Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas was seen outside Denver Health as first responders gathered to support one another and honor the fallen agent. Why the suspect attempted to board the bus and what led up to the initial hit-and-run remain unclear as the investigation continues.
More on Lakewood Police Agent
Thinking of the family of the Lakewood PD officer who was shot and killed as well as the three other officers who were injured in a shooting with a suspect on an RTD bus today. May the fallen officer's memory live on as a blessing. https://t.co/mEiv8wO6Z2
Lakewood Police Agent Shot and Killed in the Line of Duty 11/5/26 At approximately 6:30 pm on the evening of November 5, 2026, Lakewood Police responded to a call of a suspicious person near the intersection of West Colfax Ave. and Wadsworth Blvd. A suspect from an earlier hit… pic.twitter.com/Hak4uySkU5
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