El Paso County, CO – An El Paso County family is urging the public to practice caution and responsibility when handling firearms, following a frightening incident in which a stray bullet flew through their home.
On the evening of February 25, Christine Hicks was having dinner with her husband, roommate, and her roommate’s four-year-old child at their home in the Security-Widefield area. Around 7 p.m., the family was startled by a loud popping sound. Upon investigating, they discovered that a bullet had lodged in their bathroom mirror after penetrating the wall of their home.
Hicks described the initial reaction to the unexpected event, saying, “Your mind just starts racing a million miles an hour as to why would something like this happen?”
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene on Hidden Pine Drive. According to deputies, they believe the shot was fired either from a nearby field or from a vehicle traveling along South Powers Boulevard, which is located approximately 400 feet away. While investigators do not suspect that the shooter was aiming at the family, they emphasized that such reckless behavior can have severe consequences.
In Colorado, discharging a firearm knowingly or recklessly into a building, home, or vehicle is classified as a class 5 felony. Despite the close call, the sheriff’s office has yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident.
While the Hicks family was fortunate to escape harm, they hope their experience serves as a reminder to others about the importance of gun safety. Hicks emphasized that proper firearm handling involves more than just knowing how to use a gun—it’s about understanding the potential impact of a reckless shot. “If you do shoot a gun, make sure that you’re being safe with it, and you’re doing it in a designated area,” she said. “I think it’s just people not really thinking about the consequences of their actions and how that’s going to affect someone.”
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the incident, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at (719) 390-5555.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of improperly handling firearms and the importance of ensuring safety at all times.
