Flight Nurse Injured After Medivac Helicopter Shot At During Landing, Suspect Arrested
Image: Haynes LifeFlight
A Haynes LifeFlight nurse was injured early Wednesday morning after a man opened fire on a medical helicopter, believing it was a drone.
According to court records, Peter Ellison, 48, fired multiple rounds at the aircraft as it approached a landing zone to pick up a patient near County Road 51 in Autauga County, Alabama.
The incident happened around 4:20 a.m., just as volunteer firefighters had cleared an open pasture for the helicopter to land.
Bullet Ricochet Strikes Flight Nurse Mid-Landing
- The helicopter’s right-side window was hit by gunfire.
- A flight nurse was struck by a ricocheted bullet and treated at the scene.
- The aircraft landed safely despite being under fire.
“One minor injury to a crew member was sustained during the incident, but we are thankful to be able to say that no life was taken or in immediate danger,” Haynes LifeFlight posted on Facebook.
The patient originally requiring transport was taken to the hospital by ambulance instead.
- The helicopter crew and firefighters helped deputies quickly locate the shooter.
- Ellison was taken into custody and a firearm was recovered.
- He is charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle and is being held on a $30,000 cash-only bond.
- Federal charges are pending as the FBI and FAA take the lead on the investigation.
According to court filings, Ellison told investigators he thought he was firing at a drone.
Fire Department and Sheriff Respond with Outrage
In a Facebook post, the Pine Level Fire Department said:
“To say we are angered by this incident is a monumental understatement!”
Autauga County Sheriff Mark Harrell echoed that frustration:
“It is incomprehensible that anyone would try to shoot at or use a device that could affect our heroes in flight that are there to save a life.”
Harrell also reminded the public that it is a federal crime to interfere with any aircraft, including lasers, lights, bullets, or arrows.
Sheriff Harrell praised the emergency response:
“Autauga County first responders are the best. The public was never in danger due to their quick actions.”
The helicopter is currently out of service for inspection and repairs.
