Medical Helicopter Shot At, Nurse Injured, Suspect Arrested
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
September 18, 2025
AUTAUGA COUNTY, Ala. One man is in jail, and a medical helicopter nurse has been injured as a Life Flight helicopter was fired upon as it approached a landing zone in Autauga County early Wednesday.
According to the sheriff’s office, the helicopter was struck in the right-side window, and a flight nurse was injured when the bullet ricocheted.
Deputy sheriffs, fire personnel. and an ambulance responded to the location of the shooting, while other law enforcement officers quickly made their way to where the gunshots had come from.
Peter Ellison, 48, was taken into custody and charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle. The FBI and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were contacted, and federal charges are pending.
“As the sheriff of Autauga County, I would like to thank the outstanding work performed by the Autauga County Volunteer Fire Fighters for helping the victims involved in this incident,” stated Sheriff Mark Harrell. “Haynes Life Flight Pilot for landing safely under fire, and the Deputies for being able to gather information quickly and to safely apprehend the suspect. Autauga County first responders are the best, and I appreciate the close working relationship we have at the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office to be able to get the job done and as safely as possible. The public was never in danger due to their quick actions.”
The sheriff reminded the public that it is against federal law to point a laser, light, or shoot any object at any aircraft.
“It is also incomprehensible that anyone would try to shoot or use a device that could affect our heroes in flight that are there to save a life,” Harrell continued. “We will work with our federal partners to ensure that this individual is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
At this time, it is unknown why Ellison fired upon the medical chopper.
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