Crime
Deputy Timothy Corlew killed in on-duty traffic accident
It is with immense sadness and a heavy heart that we must share the heartbreaking news that the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has suffered the loss of another deputy in the line of duty.
On January 8, 2025, Deputy Timothy Corlew, a respected and dedicated member of the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station, was tragically involved in a fatal on-duty traffic accident.
At approximately 5:36 a.m., a 911 call reported a traffic collision involving a law enforcement motorcycle in the westbound lanes of the 91 Freeway near La Sierra Avenue.
Responding emergency units arrived quickly, initiating CPR on Deputy Corlew at the scene. He was rushed to Riverside Community Hospital, where, despite all efforts, he was pronounced deceased.
The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time and is currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Riverside office.
Deputy Corlew’s untimely passing is a profound loss to our department and the community he served with honor and dedication. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Deputy Corlew.
Further information regarding the investigation and arrangements to honor Deputy Corlew’s memory will be shared as it becomes available. We stand united in grief and gratitude for his service and sacrifice.
Rest in peace, Deputy Timothy Corlew. You will never be forgotten.
Crime
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — 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.