A Michigan man was shot and killed by police after he was accused of opening fire on a patrol helicopter and officers on the ground.
A police helicopter was flying over Detroit at around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, when the pilot noticed a bright green light shined into the cockpit, Michigan State Police said in a news release.
Someone was flashing a laser to the crew on the second floor of a house below, police said, apparently harassing them.
Helicopter and aircraft pilots are often targeted with laser pointers and similar devices that can temporarily blind them, endangering themselves and anyone on board. It can also result in criminal charges for those responsible.
The helicopter called and reported the location, police said.
But moments later, the harassment gave way to gunfire, with bullets flying at the helicopter from which the laser was pointing.
Officers made their way to the address and came under fire as they approached on foot, police said. Police returned fire, killing the suspect.
Based on evidence at the scene, police believe the suspect may have lured officers home to ambush them, MSP Lieutenant Michael Shaw told WDIV.
“He had a shotgun planted in one of the windows as if it was some sort of ambush that he set up,” Shaw said, adding that guns and ammunition were found in several places in the house.
Officials did not say whether the helicopter was hit, but it was forced to land at an area airport, WXYZ reported.
An investigation is underway.
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