Crime
37-year-old Reggie Hunter killed in New Orleans car-ramming attack
Reggie Hunter, a 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, was among the 10 victims tragically killed in the suspected terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Family members remembered him as a devoted father, a hardworking professional, and a cherished member of his community.
Hunter had just finished his work shift when he decided, on a whim, to head to New Orleans with his cousin to celebrate the new year and anticipate the Sugar Bowl.
“He came in from work and said, ‘Hey, the Sugar Bowl is tomorrow. It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s go to the city,’” recalled his first cousin, Shirell Jackson. “It was just something so simpleโโHey, cuz, wanna ride me to the city?โโ
The celebration turned to horror when a truck, driven at high speed, plowed into the crowd on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m.
Hunter was struck and succumbed to his injuries, Jackson confirmed. His cousin, who was also hit, is among the 35 injured survivors and is currently hospitalized with severe internal injuries.
Hunter, born in California, spent most of his life in Baton Rouge and Independence, Louisiana. For the past six years, he worked as a warehouse manager, a role he approached with diligence and pride.
As a member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Hunter had been looking forward to attending their ball, a highlight of his social calendar.
He was also deeply proud of his family, especially his 12-year-old son, whose achievements in the STEM field filled him with pride, and his 18-month-old son, the joy of his life.
Hunterโs family described him as a blend of charm and determination, a “pretty boy” who enjoyed staying active and spending time with loved ones. “He wanted to be in the gym with his homeboys and cousins,” Jackson said. “And heโd say, โIโm getting swole.โ Iโd tease him, saying, โWhere? Youโre so little.โโ
The family has faced tragedy before; Hunterโs mother was murdered in 2016. Jackson shared that this latest loss has reopened old wounds. “Itโs hard,” she said. “Itโs bringing back a lot.”
Hunterโs legacy is one of love, laughter, and resilience. His family and friends will remember him not only for his strength and ambition but also for his unwavering dedication to his children, his passion for fitness, and his zest for life.
As the community mourns, officials continue to investigate the attack that claimed his life, along with the lives of nine others. The family is holding onto cherished memories as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Crime
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado โ A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.