Lakewood Police Agent Killed in RTD Bus Shootout Identified as Nic Graham

The shooting left Graham dead, three other Lakewood police agents injured and a civilian wounded. The suspect was also shot and killed by police. The identification of Graham was reported by CBS Colorado on Friday, November 6, as the community and law enforcement agencies continued to respond to the tragedy.

Incident Began With an Earlier Hit-and-Run

According to information provided by Lakewood police, the events leading to the shooting began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, when a hit-and-run crash was reported near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue.

Witnesses told officers that the driver involved in the crash had left the scene shortly afterward. They were reportedly able to provide investigators with a description of the individual, giving police information that would later help them identify a possible suspect.

Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent reportedly recognized a person matching the description near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. The individual was associated with an RTD bus serving Route 76.

Officers approached the suspect, and the situation quickly escalated into gunfire. According to Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero, the suspect opened fire within seconds of officers making contact. Police returned fire, striking the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four Police Agents Shot, Civilian Also Injured

Four Lakewood police agents were struck by gunfire during the confrontation and transported to area hospitals. One of them, Nic Graham, later died from the injuries sustained in the shooting.

The three other agents were also injured and received medical attention. A civilian was wounded during the incident and taken to hospital. Authorities have not publicly established all the circumstances surrounding that person’s injuries.

The shooting prompted a major emergency response involving police, medical personnel and other first responders. The intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard was closed while investigators examined the scene and collected evidence.

RTD Confirms Bus Was Operating on Route 76

The Regional Transportation District confirmed that the shooting occurred aboard a contracted bus operating on Route 76 in Lakewood. The agency expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen agent and wished the injured agents and civilian a full recovery.

RTD also said it was cooperating with Lakewood police as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The transit agency acknowledged the impact on the bus operator, passengers and other people affected by the incident.

Investigation Continues

The First Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is handling the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, a process described by police as standard protocol. Investigators are expected to examine the events leading up to the confrontation, the exchange of gunfire and the actions taken by officers.

The suspect’s identity had not been released in the initial reports, and authorities had not provided a complete account of the circumstances surrounding the earlier hit-and-run.

As Lakewood mourns Nic Graham, attention remains on the injured officers, the civilian receiving treatment and the families affected by the violence. The investigation is continuing, and officials are expected to release additional verified information as it becomes available.