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.

Their injuries Thursday night ranged from serious to critical.

“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.

One of four people on the bus was also injured in the shooting, but “the extent of their injuries are still unknown at this time,” Romero said.

Lakewood Mayor Wendi Strom praised the department’s officers for putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the community,

“In this darkest of hours, our demonstration of support and condolences are a reflection of the intense respect for the job our agents perform every day,” Strom said in a statement Friday. “While we are left with an incomprehensible loss, I ask our community to come together to mourn and to care for one another.”

The suspect was boarding an RTD bus at about 6:30 p.m. when he opened fire, Romero said. 

A group of officers recognized the man from a description provided by witnesses of a hit-and-run earlier in the day. Shortly after the officers approached the suspect, he began firing, Romero said. 

Graham came from a police family, according to Smith. His father recently retired and his mother worked in a crime lab.

“From his earliest days in patrol to his work investigating major crimes, he distinguished himself through his dedication, his compassion and his willingness to help others,” Smith said.

In 2023, he became a field training agent helping new officers develop skills and judgment needed while working cases, Smith said. That year he also was recognized with a special investigations unit “wingman award” for his help on gang violence investigations among others.

He coached less experienced officers, volunteered when others needed help and investigated some of the department’s biggest cases, including homicides, stalking cases and domestic violence, Smith said. 

On the major crime unit, he worked on 323 cases — the highest assigned caseload on the team. 

“Nicolas’ legacy lives in the officers he mentored, the victims he supported and the people he treated with dignity and care,” Smith said.

RTD will continue to fully cooperate with Lakewood police and other agencies as they investigate the shooting, the transit agency said in a statement posted to its website.

This is a developing story that will be updated.