The manhunt for an Omaha homicide suspect came to an end in Westminster as the U.S. Marshals Service announced the capture of the fugitive. Dak Lam, a 22-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, was arrested Monday night by the Colorado Violent Offender Task Force (COVOTF), a strategic arm of the U.S. Marshals Service. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Lam was wanted on a felony arrest warrant for first-degree murder about the shooting death of 21-year-old Keah Paljor on October 12th.
Authorities had reason to believe that Lam fled the state and taken refuge in the Denver metro area after the Omaha Police Department's (OPD) fugitive unit, part of U.S. Marshals Service's Metro Fugitive Task Force, picked up leads on his whereabouts. A rental vehicle associated with Lam was spotted at a family member's residence in Westminster, further solidifying the suspicion of his location. While the suspect concealed their face with a balaclava, investigators were able to positively identify Lam and acquire a search warrant for the property.
Given the violent nature of Lam's alleged crimes and the possibility that he might still have the weapon used in the homicide, the COVOTF sought out the expertise of the Westminster Police Department’s (WPD) SWAT team. WPD SWAT approached the residence situated near W 136th Ave and Huron Street and safely executed a search warrant. Notably, the firearm thought to be used in the murder was not recovered during the arrest operation.
Following his arrest, Lam was escorted to the Adams County Jail by Westminster P.D. patrol units and is now awaiting the legal process for extradition back to Nebraska. The successful apprehension of Lam stands as a testament to the relentless and coordinated efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the Omaha Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, among others.
Not only does this incident underscore the effectiveness of collaboration between multiple jurisdictions, but it also highlights the broader role of the U.S. Marshals Service and its task forces in apprehending violent offenders nationwide. With 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, eight regional task forces, and an expanding international presence, the agency continues its mission of pursuing and capturing individuals accused of serious offenses such as murder, assault, and sex crimes across the state and beyond.
