MARYSVILLE, Ohio - Federal authorities as well as central Ohio law enforcement agencies are on alert after a medical helicopter was shot in flight on Thursday.
No one was injured. The Union County sheriff’s office, Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.
Authorities think the helicopter, based in Union County’s Allen Township, was shot from the ground between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., said Union County Sheriff Jamie Patton.
A preflight inspection turned up nothing, and then the chopper made trips to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus and Akron Children’s Hospital. During a refueling stop in Akron, a bullet hole was discovered in the rear door on the right side, said Todd Bailey, MedFlight’s spokesman.
It was immediately taken out of service for patients. After being inspected by a mechanic, the helicopter was flown back to Union County for the investigation.
Authorities discovered a bullet fragment on the floor of a storage area, Patton said. Endangering an aircraft is a fourth-degree felony. No one has been charged.
Another helicopter is being used today to carry patients, Bailey said.
Once Union County deputies took the report late Thursday night, all area police agencies and airports were notified so that aircraft could be on alert. Television news stations with helicopters also were notified, Bailey said.
Anyone with information can call the Union County sheriff's office at 937-642-6753.
Source: http://www.dispatch.com
Source: http://www.dispatch.com
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