Man Fires on Police Helicopter

An 18-year-old fired on a police helicopter in LA yesterday morning, forcing it to make an emergency landing after a shot apparently ruptured its fuel tank, causing it to leak. Danny Lopez was allegedly shooting from his yard with a semi-automatic rifle when family members tackled him, the Los Angeles Times reports. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted murder. No motive was given, but a detective says Lopez "was upset about a friend or family member who passed away."

The helicopter had been responding to a report of gunshots in Van Nuys. Tipsters reported a second gunman, prompting police to evacuate a nearby apartment building and conduct an hours-long search of the neighborhood, but no second suspect was found. One nearby resident noted her shock at hearing the gunfire: "On Easter too! That's the day you're supposed to relax and chill and behave." (More gunman stories.)