Lakewood police identify officer who died in shoot-out on RTD bus

Lakewood police on Friday afternoon identified Nic Graham as the police officer killed during a shooting Thursday night on a Regional Transportation District bus at the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.

Graham’s “life was taken in an act of violence that has left his family, our department and this community grieving,” Police Chief Philip Smith said during a media conference Friday afternoon.

Graham joined the department in January 2019, according to Smith.

Three other police officers were injured in the shooting. Two have been released from local hospitals and the third remains in the hospital, according to John Romero, spokesman for the department.

“They all are recovering,” Romero said. “Our hearts are with them at this time and their families as they work towards healing and recovery.”

The 34-year-old suspect died after police returned fire. The Lakewood Police Department is not releasing his name until they have notified the suspect’s family.

A bystander also suffered injuries during the shooting, but “the extent of their injuries are still unknown at this time,” Romero said.

This is a developing story that will be updated.