By Carol Robinson
al.com
AUTAUGA COUNTY, Ala. — An Alabama nurse was struck by a ricochet bullet during a predawn medical flight landing in an Autauga County pasture.
Sheriff Mark Harrell said Haynes Life Flight was dispatched at 4:20 a.m. Wednesday, on a medical call in the area of County Road 51.
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Autauga County volunteer firefighters had set up a landing zone in an open pasture.
As the medical helicopter arrived, shots were fired at the helicopter, striking the right-side window as it approached the landing zone.
A flight nurse was struck.
“One minor injury to a crew member was sustained during the incident, but we are thankful to be able to say that no life was taken or in immediate danger,” Haynes LifeFlight posted.
“Despite the circumstances, Haynes LifeFlight 1 was able to land the aircraft safely without further incident. The aircraft remains under inspection and repair.”
Deputies were already en route to assist, and the medical helicopter was able to safely land.
The pilot and firefighters on the scene were able to give details of the approximate location of the shooter, Harrell said.
Peter Ellison, 48, was quickly taken into custody, the sheriff said. A gun was also recovered.
The FBI and the FAA responded to the scene and have taken over the investigation.
Ellison was booked into the Autauga County Metro Jail on charges of shooting into an occupied vehicle with bond set at $30,000. Federal charges are pending, Harrell said.
The flight nurse was treated at the scene, and the original call victim was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
A motive has not been disclosed.
The sheriff said multiple agencies assisted and the public was never in danger because of the quick response.
“It is against federal law to point a laser, light, or shoot any object including bullets and arrows at any aircraft,” Harrell said.
“It is not wise to try to take down drones as well.”
“It is also incomprehensible that anyone would try to shoot at or use a device that could affect our heroes in flight that are there to save a life,” the sheriff said.
“We will work with our federal partners to ensure that this individual is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
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