What began as a response to a report of gunfire in east Phoenix turned into something far more dangerous early Monday morning, when two men allegedly turned their rifles toward a police helicopter flying overhead.
Phoenix police responded to reports of shots fired near 36th Street and Van Buren Street just before 1:30 a.m. As the department’s helicopter circled the area, suspects on the ground opened fire on the aircraft, sending multiple rounds into the air toward the crew inside.
Patrol officers on the ground detained Burton Smith, 33, and Duane Bryant, 28, shortly after arriving at the scene. A preliminary investigation indicated both men had been firing rifles at the helicopter. They were arrested on probable cause and booked on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, along with multiple weapons violations.
The helicopter was inspected following the incident and found to be undamaged — a fortunate outcome given that the aircraft was reportedly struck by or narrowly missed by gunfire during the encounter.
The Phoenix Police Department’s Violent Crimes Bureau Assault Unit has taken over the investigation as it moves forward.
