Memorial grows for slain Lakewood officer Nic Graham after shootout – Denver Gazette

Memorial grows for slain Lakewood officer Nic Graham after shootout  Denver Gazette

A growing memorial of flowers, candles, cards and stuffed animals has taken shape outside the Lakewood Police Department following Thursday night's shooting that killed one officer and wounded three others aboard an RTD bus. A growing memorial of flowers, candles, cards and stuffed animals is taking shape outside the Lakewood Police Department following Thursday night’s shooting that killed one officer and wounded three others aboard an RTD bus. The officer who died Thursday after the shooting has been identified as Nicholas Graham, 33. During a Friday news conference, Lakewood Police Chief Philip Smith said Graham joined the department in 2019 and worked in the Major Crimes Unit. Smith credited him with helping solve more than 300 cases during his time with the agency.

Addressing Graham’s family, Smith said, “We know that words cannot ease the heartbreak of your loss.” Grieving residents and fellow law enforcement officers visited the memorial Friday, some moved to tears by the tragedy. A JeffCo Public Schools safety officer described the loss as one felt throughout law enforcement. “When one department suffers, we all suffer,” said Kevin Smith. According to Lakewood police, the incident began with a hit-and-run earlier Thursday afternoon. An officer later recognized the suspect near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard at 6:29 p.m. After confirming the suspect’s identity, the officer requested backup. Several