Police identify agent killed after suspect opens fire near Colorado bus, wounds other 3 officers

The police officer who was fatally shot Thursday evening after officers approached a suspect boarding a bus outside Denver has been identified as 33-year-old Nicholas Allen Graham.

"The Lakewood Police Department is devastated to announce that the fourth agent, 33-year-old Agent Nicholas Graham, died as a result of being shot by the suspect," the city of Lakewood said in an updated news release.  

During a press conference Friday, Police Chief Philip Smith described Graham as an excellent agent who served on the department's major crimes team, where he handled "some of our community's most serious crimes, including homicide, domestic violence, and stalking." 

In 2023, Graham received the Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his gang intelligence work, investigative support and assistance with major SWAT cases, Smith said. 

Graham reportedly joined the Lakewood Police Department in early 2019, where he worked alongside members of his family.

"Nick was part of a police family. His father's recently retired. His mother worked in the crime lab," Smith said. 

FOUR DEAD, INCLUDING WASHINGTON DEPUTY, FOLLOWING DOMESTIC CALL SHOOTING; ANOTHER DEPUTY ON LIFE SUPPORT

On Thursday, Lakewood police responded to a report of a suspicious person near the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard around 6:30 p.m., where they encountered a suspect attempting to board a bus.

The suspect opened fire on officers, striking four of them, Lakewood Police Public Information Officer John Romero said during a news conference.

"We are very sorry to report that one of those agents has been pronounced dead of their injuries," Romero previously said.

The suspect was shot by police and pronounced dead at the scene, Romero said.

A civilian was also injured and transported to a local hospital.

Police did not immediately provide details about the extent of the injuries or the conditions of the three surviving officers.

Authorities said the suspect was attempting to board a Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus when officers approached.

CHICAGO HOSPITAL SHOOTING LEAVES 1 OFFICER DEAD, OTHER 'FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE'; SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

"Within seconds of agents approaching the suspect, the suspect opened fire on our agents," Romero said.

Romero also delivered an emotional message to the fallen officer's family:

"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."

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis released a statement following the deadly shooting.

"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," Polis wrote.

"My heart goes out to their family and friends," he continued. "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. Thank you to law enforcement who run into danger to keep us safe and to protect our communities."

Polis said the Colorado State Patrol was assisting at the scene and participating in a procession from the hospital honoring the fallen officer.

The Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with support from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

RTD also released a statement saying it was "deeply concerned" by the shooting.

"Our thoughts are with those affected directly by this incident," the statement read. "The safety and well-being of our customers, employees, and partners remain our highest priority."

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