A Phoenix police helicopter came under fire early Monday while circling near 36th Street and Van Buren as officers responded to reports of a shooting, authorities said. The aircraft was monitoring the reported gunfire when multiple rounds were fired toward it, according to police. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the helicopter was hit, and no officers or community members were reported injured. Three people at the scene were detained.
Police: Multiple Rounds Fired While Aircraft Monitored Shooting
According to ABC15, officers were called to the area around 1:30 a.m. for reports of gunfire, and a Phoenix Police Department helicopter arrived overhead to assist. While the helicopter was in the area, police said "multiple rounds" were fired in the direction of the aircraft.
Three people at the scene were detained by officers, ABC15 reported. One individual who refused to comply with police commands was taken into custody using a less-lethal tool and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the station. Detectives are still processing the scene, and authorities have not released the identities of those detained.
How This Fits Into a Wider Pattern
Police air units regularly fly into dangerous situations where gunfire is still active, and the risks are not theoretical. Earlier this month, an Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter crashed while responding to a prolonged shootout, killing two troopers, as reported by the Associated Press. That deadly crash and Monday's incident in Phoenix highlight the high-stakes environment for both aircraft crews and officers on the ground when they respond to shootings.
Investigation Remains Open
Phoenix police say the investigation is ongoing and that it remained unclear whether any of the rounds actually struck the helicopter, according to ABC15. Authorities have not said whether any charges have been filed and have not released the names of the people who were detained.
