Van Nuys teen charged for shooting helicopter

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A teenager accused of shooting a Los Angeles police helicopter was charged Tuesday with two counts of attempted murder on a peace officer.

Danny Anthony Lopez, 18, pleaded not guilty in Van Nuys Superior Court. He was also charged with two counts of assault on a peace officer with a semiautomatic firearm, one count of shooting at an occupied aircraft and one count of carrying a loaded firearm in a street gang with the allegation that he personally discharged a firearm.

He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Police said on Sunday morning Lopez fired a semiautomatic rifle at a police chopper in Van Nuys, hitting it. The pilots made an emergency landing and were not hurt.

Lopez's mother said her son was distraught over the shooting death of a friend.

Get more Los Angeles News »

lapd, shooting, los angeles news

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•