A Lakewood police officer has been identified as Nic Graham, 33, after he was killed during a shootout with a suspect aboard a bus in Colorado that left three other officers and a passenger injured.
The gun battle happened at about 6.30pm on Thursday, November 5, near West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, around five miles west of Denver. The suspect, who was also killed, had boarded an RTD bus after police linked him to an earlier hit-and-run.
Lakewood Police Chief Philip Smith said Graham joined the department in 2019 and later moved from patrol work to its major crimes unit. He had been involved in 322 cases, the largest caseload among members of the unit, according to the chief.
Graham’s father recently retired from police work, while his mother worked in a crime laboratory, Chief Smith said. Graham had also received recognition for gang intelligence work, investigative support and helping with major investigations into false emergency calls.
Police said officers were responding to reports of a suspicious man attempting to board a bus near Colfax Avenue. The suspect had earlier fled the scene of a crash near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue, where witnesses gave officers a description.
The Regional Transportation District said the bus was a contracted vehicle operating Route 76 and had four passengers aboard. According to the agency, officers encountered the suspect away from the bus before he boarded it, followed by police.
Witness Teddy O’Brien, who was stopped at a nearby traffic light, told the Associated Press that several police cars surrounded the vehicle before officers approached from both sides.
Four Lakewood police agents were shot during the exchange. Graham died from his injuries, while the other three officers were taken to hospital, along with a bystander. Two officers had been discharged by Friday and a third was expected to make a full recovery, officials said.
The suspect’s name has not been released. The First Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the shooting, as required in cases involving police use of deadly force.
Chief Smith described Graham as “a dependable teammate” and said his achievements showed both what he had done and how much his service had meant to the people he helped.
“Our hearts are with Nick’s family, friends and everyone whose life he touched,” the Lakewood Police Department said in a statement. “We are forever grateful for his service, his sacrifice and the privilege of serving alongside him.”
Dozens of officers and emergency responders gathered outside a hospital after the shooting. A bagpiper played Amazing Grace as a procession escorted Graham’s body to the coroner’s office.
Residents later left flowers, cards and other tributes outside the Lakewood Police Department. Neighbouring law enforcement agencies have stepped in to help patrol the city while Graham’s colleagues grieve and support the injured officers and their families.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said law enforcement officers “put their lives on the line for our safety every day” and thanked those who ran towards the danger to protect the community.
