Defendant, Who Nearly Killed a Young Boy While Opening Fire on Multiple Vehicles in Adams County, Sentenced to 25 Years in the Department of Corrections
Brighton, CO —Today, District Attorney Brian Mason is announcing the 25-year prison sentence for Theodore Hrdlicka, 51, following his guilty plea to Attempted Murder on September 8, 2021.
On August 5, 2019, a vehicle containing a grandfather, his son, and his young grandson were traveling along Highway 36 in Adams County toward Estes Park. They were on a family camping trip from out of state when they noticed an individual driving recklessly and traveling in their direction. They heard gunshots as the truck approached their vehicle.
Moments later, the driver, Courtney Hrdlicka, 32, pulled up alongside their car while her husband, Theodore Hrdlicka, stuck his gun out of the passenger-side window and opened fire. Several bullets struck the victim’s vehicle including one that was inches away from striking the young boy. He was left covered in metal fragments from the shooting.
The Hrdlicka’s continued on, and Theodore proceeded to fire additional rounds from his weapon. Two other vehicles were struck during this incident. The Hrdlicka’s fled the area and were later arrested at a home in unincorporated Adams County.
It was later determined the Hrdlicka’s allegedly committed an identical series of crimes in Arapahoe County shortly before the shooting in Adams County. Earlier this year, Courtney Hrdlicka pleaded guilty to Accessory to a Crime in Adams County and First-Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Arapahoe County. She was sentenced to a total of 10 years in the Department of Corrections. Theodore Hrdlicka’s case in Arapahoe County is still pending.
“The actions of this defendant are appalling and unfathomable,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “These innocent victims were going on a family camping trip when Mr. Hrdlicka inexplicably started shooting at a little boy, his father, and his grandfather. I’m grateful we were able to achieve justice in this case. ”
On Wednesday, September 8, 2021, Theodore Hrdlicka pleaded guilty to,
On Friday, October 22, 2021, Hrdlicka was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Senior Lead Deputy District Attorney Albert Buchman and Deputy District Attorney Will Atherton led the prosecution of these cases.
On August 5, 2019, a vehicle containing a grandfather, his son, and his young grandson were traveling along Highway 36 in Adams County toward Estes Park. They were on a family camping trip from out of state when they noticed an individual driving recklessly and traveling in their direction. They heard gunshots as the truck approached their vehicle.
Moments later, the driver, Courtney Hrdlicka, 32, pulled up alongside their car while her husband, Theodore Hrdlicka, stuck his gun out of the passenger-side window and opened fire. Several bullets struck the victim’s vehicle including one that was inches away from striking the young boy. He was left covered in metal fragments from the shooting.
The Hrdlicka’s continued on, and Theodore proceeded to fire additional rounds from his weapon. Two other vehicles were struck during this incident. The Hrdlicka’s fled the area and were later arrested at a home in unincorporated Adams County.
It was later determined the Hrdlicka’s allegedly committed an identical series of crimes in Arapahoe County shortly before the shooting in Adams County. Earlier this year, Courtney Hrdlicka pleaded guilty to Accessory to a Crime in Adams County and First-Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Arapahoe County. She was sentenced to a total of 10 years in the Department of Corrections. Theodore Hrdlicka’s case in Arapahoe County is still pending.
“The actions of this defendant are appalling and unfathomable,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “These innocent victims were going on a family camping trip when Mr. Hrdlicka inexplicably started shooting at a little boy, his father, and his grandfather. I’m grateful we were able to achieve justice in this case. ”
On Wednesday, September 8, 2021, Theodore Hrdlicka pleaded guilty to,
- Attempted Murder
- Sentence Enhancer: Violent Crime—Used Weapon
Senior Lead Deputy District Attorney Albert Buchman and Deputy District Attorney Will Atherton led the prosecution of these cases.
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District Attorney Mason assumed the oath of office on January 12, 2021. The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office endeavors to seek justice on behalf of the citizens of Adams and Broomfield counties in felony and misdemeanor cases. DA Mason and his staff are dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system to better serve the citizens of the 17th Judicial District.