Agent Nic Graham died after police confronted a suspected hit-and-run driver aboard a bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A Lakewood police agent was killed and three other officers were wounded Nov. 5 when a man suspected in an earlier hit-and-run opened fire as officers approached him aboard a Regional Transportation District bus, authorities said. Police returned fire and killed the suspect. A bystander was also injured.
Police identified the slain officer as Agent Nic Graham, 33, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019. The shooting happened shortly after 6:30 p.m. near West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, several hours after police began looking for a person believed to have fled a hit-and-run crash. Authorities said the three surviving officers were expected to recover, though one remained hospitalized after two others were released.
The investigation began shortly before 3:45 p.m., when police responded to a hit-and-run near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue. Witnesses told investigators that a person had run from the scene and provided officers with a description. Several hours later, an officer recognized a person matching that description as the man boarded a northbound RTD bus near Colfax and Wadsworth, according to police.
Police said the officer called for backup and officers approached the man on the bus. At about 6:32 p.m., the man began firing at the officers, authorities said. Officers returned fire, and the suspect died at the scene. Four Lakewood officers were struck and taken to hospitals with injuries described initially as serious to critical. Graham later died from his injuries. Police have not publicly identified the three wounded officers.
A civilian was also injured during the confrontation. Lakewood police initially said the extent of that person’s injuries was unknown, and authorities did not immediately explain how the bystander was hurt. Officials also had not released a final accounting of the gunfire exchanged during the confrontation. The department said information released in the immediate aftermath remained preliminary as investigators reviewed evidence.
Graham joined the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 and later worked in its major crimes unit. Police Chief Philip Smith said Graham had handled 322 cases, the largest caseload on the department’s major crimes team. Graham also received a department award in 2023 recognizing work involving gang intelligence, investigative support and major investigations. Smith described him as an officer known for dedication, compassion and a willingness to help others.
Graham came from a family with ties to law enforcement and is survived by his wife and young child, according to police and local reports. A memorial began forming outside the Lakewood Police Department after his death, while officers and residents gathered to honor him. Law enforcement agencies from surrounding communities also began helping Lakewood handle patrols and calls for service so department personnel could support Graham’s family and the wounded officers.
The shooting is being examined through the First Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team, the standard process used to investigate police use of force in the area. Lakewood police are separately investigating the events linked to the man before the bus shooting, including the earlier hit-and-run. Authorities initially withheld the suspect’s name pending formal identification and notification of relatives, and officials had not announced a motive for the gunfire.
As of the latest official updates, two of the three surviving Lakewood officers had been released from hospitals and the third was expected to recover. Investigators were continuing to examine the shooting, the suspected hit-and-run and the circumstances surrounding the civilian’s injury while the department mourned Graham.
Author note: Last updated November 9, 2026.