Image Source: The Denver Post
Lakewood Colorado is mourning a police officer who was killed Thursday evening during a shootout aboard an RTD bus. Agent Nicholas Graham, a seven-year veteran of the Lakewood Police Department, died while officers attempted to arrest a man suspected in an earlier hit-and-run crash.
The gunfire erupted at approximately 6:32 p.m. near West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, a busy intersection served by RTD Route 76. Three additional Lakewood officers were wounded, along with a bystander. The suspect, identified by authorities as 34-year-old Gabriel Steven Garcia, was also killed.
Shocking Lakewood Colorado Shootout Leaves Officer Dead
According to Lakewood police spokesman John Romero, an officer spotted a man matching the description of a driver who had fled a hit-and-run crash earlier Thursday near West 13th Avenue and Kipling Street. Witnesses provided police with a detailed description, allowing officers to identify the suspect several hours later.
After calling for backup, officers saw the man board a northbound RTD bus. Police entered the bus to apprehend him, Romero said, and Garcia suddenly turned and opened fire. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect.
The exchange injured four officers. Graham’s injuries were fatal, while the other three officers suffered serious wounds. Two were released from the hospital Friday, and a third remained hospitalized but was recovering. The extent of the bystander’s injuries was not immediately available.
Witnesses Describe Terrifying Gunfire
People near the intersection described a chaotic and frightening scene. Arianna McKibbin, who was celebrating her 13th birthday, was stopped at a red light with her grandmother when police vehicles surrounded the area.
McKibbin said officers activated their emergency lights, crossed the intersection and approached the bus. The pair then heard gunfire and remained stopped through two traffic-light cycles before safely leaving the area.
“I’m just scared from it,” McKibbin said. “I never witnessed any gunshots before, so it was kind of out of the blue.”
Another witness, Teddy O’Brien, told 9News that officers rushed toward the bus with guns and flashlights drawn. He said shots began almost immediately and estimated hearing 30 to 40 gunshots, with flashes visible from both the front and rear of the bus.
Remembering Agent Nicholas Graham
Lakewood Police Chief Philip Smith remembered Graham as a dependable teammate who demonstrated compassion, professionalism and a strong commitment to public service.
Graham served as a field training agent, helping prepare new officers, and previously worked on the department’s major crimes team. Smith said Graham handled 322 cases, including investigations involving serious crimes such as homicide. The chief described that caseload as the team’s heaviest.
“The gratitude of those he helped tells us how much his service mattered,” Smith said during a Friday news conference.
Graham was also the son of a recently retired police sergeant. Colleagues placed flowers around a Lakewood police vehicle Friday as community members and fellow officers paid tribute. After the shooting, dozens of officers gathered outside Denver Health, where a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace.”
Suspect Had Criminal Record and Was on Parole
The Denver Post reported that Garcia was on parole through the Colorado Department of Corrections. Online records indicated he was serving a one-year sentence for trespassing and was scheduled to complete parole in September 2027.
Court records show Garcia’s criminal history in Colorado stretched back more than 15 years. His convictions included disorderly conduct, obstructing a firefighter, presenting false identification, theft, forgery and perjury. He was also convicted of felony menacing in 2017.
That year, Garcia faced charges in Adams County involving an alleged attempt to murder, assault and disarm a police officer. He later pleaded guilty to felony assaulting a police officer in 2019 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Investigation Continues in Lakewood Colorado
The Jefferson County Critical Incident Team is investigating the police actions and circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation is expected to examine the initial hit-and-run report, the officers’ approach to the bus and the exchange of gunfire.
Other law enforcement agencies will assist with portions of Lakewood’s jurisdiction while department employees grieve. Gov. Jared Polis expressed sorrow over Graham’s death and thanked officers who respond to dangerous situations to protect the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Lakewood Colorado shooting?
Police said a suspect opened fire when officers boarded an RTD bus near West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard Thursday evening. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect.
Who was the Lakewood officer killed?
Agent Nicholas Graham, a seven-year member of the Lakewood Police Department, was killed in the shooting. He worked as a field training agent and major crimes investigator.
How many people were wounded?
Three Lakewood officers and one bystander were wounded. Two officers were released from the hospital Friday, while another was recovering.
Who was identified as the suspect?
Authorities identified the suspect as Gabriel Steven Garcia, a 34-year-old parolee with a prior felony conviction for assaulting a police officer.
