Nic Graham, a 33-year-old Lakewood police agent, was killed Thursday evening after a suspect opened fire on officers near a busy intersection in Lakewood, Colorado. Three other agents were wounded in the shooting, which also left a civilian injured. The suspect was killed by police during the exchange of gunfire.
The deadly incident happened on November 5, 2026, after Lakewood police received a report of a hit-and-run crash near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue shortly before 3:45 p.m. Witnesses told officers that the person believed to be responsible had fled the scene almost immediately. Police obtained a description of the suspect and began looking for him.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:29 p.m., a Lakewood agent spotted someone matching the suspect’s description near West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. The man was attempting to board a Regional Transportation District bus when the agent recognized him and called for backup.
Other agents quickly arrived and approached the suspect. But the encounter turned violent when the man suddenly pulled out a gun and fired several rounds at the approaching officers. Police reported the first shots-fired call at approximately 6:32 p.m., followed by an officer-down alert about a minute later.
The agents returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene. Four Lakewood agents were struck by gunfire and rushed to local hospitals. A civilian who was caught in the shooting was also injured and taken for medical treatment.
Graham was the only agent who did not survive. He later died from his injuries at St. Anthony’s Hospital. The other three wounded agents survived. Two were released from the hospital, while another remained hospitalized but was expected to recover. The injured civilian was also reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
Graham had served with the Lakewood Police Department since January 2019. During his time with the department, he worked in patrol before moving to the Major Crimes Unit. Police Chief Philip Smith said Graham helped solve more than 300 cases and played an important role in the department’s investigative work.
His contributions also earned him the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award in 2023. At just 33, Graham had already built a record of service that earned him respect among fellow officers and colleagues.
News of his death brought an outpouring of grief from residents and law enforcement agencies across the Denver area. Flowers, candles, cards and stuffed animals began appearing outside the Lakewood Police Department as people stopped by to pay their respects.
Officers from neighboring departments also gathered to honor Graham. Following his death, law enforcement personnel stood outside the hospital as his colleagues escorted his body for transport. A bagpiper played “Amazing Grace” during the solemn farewell.
Lakewood Police Chief Philip Smith addressed Graham’s family during a Friday news conference, acknowledging the pain they were facing. He also confirmed that the three surviving agents were expected to recover.
The shooting is being investigated by the First Judicial District’s Critical Incident Response Team, while Lakewood police continue investigating the events connected to the earlier hit-and-run. Authorities have also identified the deceased suspect as Gabriel Garcia.
The Lakewood Police Department is receiving assistance from neighboring agencies, whose officers have stepped in to handle patrols and emergency calls while Graham’s colleagues grieve and support the injured agents.
For Graham’s family, friends and fellow officers, the loss is deeply personal. A man who spent more than seven years serving his community is now being remembered by the people he worked alongside and those whose lives he touched.
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