RTD leaders reaffirm commitment to safety following Lakewood tragedy
RTD leaders expressed their condolences and reaffirmed the agency's commitment to supporting employees, customers, and law enforcement partners following the Nov. 5 shooting aboard an RTD bus in Lakewood that resulted in the death of Nicholas Graham, a Lakewood Police agent who was killed in the line of duty.
During the Board Finance and Planning Committee meeting this evening, RTD leadership acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy on the broader public service community and highlighted the agency's ongoing coordination with investigators and public safety partners.
"This is a heartbreaking loss for the Lakewood Police Department and for the broader public service community throughout our region," said RTD GM and CEO Debra A. Johnson. "Every day, law enforcement officers, first responders, transit employees and other public servants dedicate themselves to serving and protecting our communities, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances. We are grateful for their courage, commitment and sacrifice."
According to RTD Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano, the incident began as a reported hit-and-run. Several hours later, law enforcement officers identified the suspect near the bus stop at West Colfax and Wadsworth. When officers approached and the suspect boarded an RTD bus, gunfire was exchanged. The suspect and Graham were killed, three additional agents and one customer aboard the bus were injured. The bus operator was not hurt.
RTD Police officers responded immediately to assist with the incident, providing scene security and helping preserve critical evidence, including footage from the bus's onboard camera system. In the days that followed, RTD Police continued supporting the investigation by coordinating records and video requests and providing technical information about the vehicle and its equipment. RTD's Honor Guard also will participate in Agent Graham's memorial service.
"Our thoughts remain with Agent Graham's family, the Lakewood Police Department, the injured officers and everyone affected," Martingano said. "Clearing a scene does not mean the experience is over for those who lived through it. We will continue checking on our people, supporting one another and ensuring those affected know they are not alone."
Johnson also emphasized that strong partnerships between RTD and local governments, law enforcement agencies and community organizations remain essential to maintaining a safe transit system. While incidents like the Nov. 5 shooting are deeply troubling, she noted they are exceedingly rare and that RTD continues to provide safe and reliable transportation for hundreds of thousands of customer trips each day.
Finance and Planning Committee Chair Director Karen Benker led the meeting in a moment of silence after Johnson’s and Martingano’s comments.
RTD will continue to cooperate fully with investigators and support its law enforcement partners as the investigation moves forward.