[VIDEOS] This Friday, September 24th, will mark the first anniversary of the fateful day on which four officers of Lakewood’s S.R.T. team were shot during a no-knock warrant shootout, which left one member of the team blind in one eye. The news – first reported by TLS – broke at about 2:45 a.m. on the 24th, moments after multiple officers were shot on MacKenzie Street, while attempting to take a drug dealer into custody.

The officers rammed in the door of the MacKenzie Court home and began heading upstairs, only to be sprayed by a hail of bullets from the gunman waiting for them at the top of the stairs, who officials believe may have been tipped off, according to a report.

A gunfight ensued, and the gunman was injured after being shot several times, but not before shooting four officers.

Patrolman Jonathan Wilson was shot in the face and remained in critical condition for days following the shooting, which resulted in the blindness of one eye.

Sergeant Louis Sassow, as well as Patrolman Lenny Nieves Sr. were injured after taking a bullet to the chest, which although deflected by the bullet proof vest, left them badly bruised.

Lieutenant Gregory Meyer – who was in command of the S.R.T. team that night – sustained a serious injury after being shot in his foot, but remained at the scene until he was assured that all his other team members were safe, that the home was secure, and that the suspect was in custody. Only then was he transported to the hospital.

“Although we suffered some very serious and permanent injuries which will serve as a daily reminder to some of us for the rest of our lives, thank goodness we all survived that horrific night”, says Lieutenant Gregory Meyer. “And the ones who were physically uninjured, will also never forget that night”, he says.

“Some good emerged though”, Meyer added. “We saw that our training saved lives that night, and gave us an insight as to where we need to add to future training and operations”, he said. 

Since the horrific event, the LPD has added more equipment such as ballistic shields, helmet masks, and other products to ensure the safety of the brave men during such high risk jobs.

“We are all thankful for all the support and well wishes we received from the community and from fellow law enforcement members throughout the state”, Meyer says. “I look forward to working hard and continuing to serve the people of Lakewood for years to come”, he says.

The shooter, Jaime Gonzalez, 39, was indicted on 34 charges related to the shootout. Gonzalez, who was also shot in the exchange of gunfire, was charged with 11 counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault for each of the officers involved in the raid. The indictment also charged him with six drug offenses, four weapons charges and one count of fortifying his home for illegal drug activity and another aggravated assault charge relating to all the officers.

His weapon used in the attack – a .357 Magnum – had been reported stolen from South Carolina.

TLS.

VIDEO: What the neighbor saw.

Press Conference at Police Headquarters following the shooting:
VIDEO 1

VIDEO 2 of Press Conference:

VIDEO of Lakewood’s S.R.T. Team in action in June, searching for a gunman at the Brettwood Apartments.