Man Guilty of Firing at Philly Police Helicopter

Man shot at Philly Police helicopter in North Philadelphia July 2008

A 28-year-old Pennsylvania man has been found guilty of firing shots at a Philadelphia police helicopter that was aiming a spotlight at him.

Federal prosecutors say Jonathan Butler stood under a tree and fired at the chopper in July 2008, despite the nearby crowd in the courtyard of a North Philadelphia housing project.

Police overhead were trying to locate suspects who were illegally riding all-terrain vehicles. The helicopter was not hit.

Butler's attorney, David S. Bahuriak, says no one saw his client point the gun at the chopper. But police recovered a still-warm gun from Butler's waistband.

On Wednesday, a jury convicted Butler, of Harrisburg, of charges including interfering with a person operating an aircraft.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 2.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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