Lakewood officer’s killer was on parole after about 35 arrests in 15 years

By Matt Kyle | The Denver Gazette

The man who police said opened fire on several Lakewood police agents during a shootout on an RTD bus, killing one, had an extensive criminal history, including recent arrests that could have revoked his parole, raising questions about how and why he was free at the time of the shooting.

Gabriel Steven Garcia, 34, was killed in the shootout when officers returned fire. Garcia was on parole at the time of the shooting and had a lengthy criminal history, which included a previous conviction for an assault on an Adams County sheriff’s deputy.

Garcia had been arrested roughly 35 times over 15 years.

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