GOLDEN, Colo. (Nov. 17, 2022) – District Attorney Alexis King announced today that charges have been filed against seven juveniles for a physical assault that occurred in Lakewood on Oct. 14, 2022, on the RTD light rail.
It is alleged that on Oct. 14, 2022, forty-five-year-old Zachary Chopko was the victim of a random attack by a group of juveniles while riding the RTD light rail train. Chopko reported being pushed out of the train by the juveniles at the W 13th Ave and Garrison St. station. An agent of the Lakewood Police Department who was conducting extra patrol at that time was flagged down to respond. The victim was transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital and suffered serious bodily injury.
On Nov. 11, 2022, seven juveniles between the ages of 15-17, were arrested by the Lakewood Police Department. On Nov. 14, 2022, the juveniles appeared in court and were all ordered to remain in custody without bond. Today, each of the seven juveniles was charged with 1 count of Second Degree Assault (F4).
On Nov. 15, 2022, one additional juvenile (for a total of 8) was arrested by the Lakewood Police Department in connection to the assault and was held without bond. Charges for that juvenile are due on Nov. 21, 2022.
This is the full extent of information that will be released at this time, pursuant to 19-1-304 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
The charges are merely legal allegations, and all juveniles are presumed innocent of the charges against them unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.