Posted on 08/17/2005 3:16:53 AM PDT by Former Military Chick
Authorities have charged a former US marine marksman with shooting down a sheriff's helicopter, alleging that he bragged to investigators that it would be no problem for him to "make that shot".
Jason Kerns, 29, was arrested on Monday for the August 6 shooting.
He allegedly told investigators he watched the chopper go down but apparently made no direct admission of responsibility.
Kerns was being held on $US1.8 million ($2.3 million) bond.
Authorities recovered firearms from the suspect's home, including a rifle they believe was used in the shooting, along with boxes of ammunition.
Pilot Chris Holland and sheriff's deputy Ward Pfefferle were in the helicopter when it went down and suffered injuries.
Mr Pfefferle reported hearing a gun shot.
Kerns is a former lance corporal honourably discharged from the US Marine Corps in 2001.
He was a helicopter airframe mechanic who also worked as a marksmanship instructor.
Kerns told investigators the night the copter went down that he had been watching it hover low above a nearby golf course.
This is disturbing.
Former marine sniper accused of shooting sheriff's helicopter
ALBUQUERQUE -- News 13 has learned that the man accused of shooting down a sheriff’s department helicopter is a former sniper in the US Marines.
Jason Kerns, 29, was arrested Monday at his home on Columbus Circle, located near the crash site in Paradise Hills.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff says it's apparent Kerns’ training played a role in the incident. The helicopter was 400 feet above the ground when it was hit and landed over 1600 feet away from kern’s property.
Kearns was honorably discharged from the military in 2001 and does not have a criminal history.
According to the criminal complaint, Kerns told deputies he heard a gunshot and then saw the chopper go down in the early morning of August 6th.
He said he then ran to help the pilot and deputy. However, deputies soon learned it wasn't Kerns who helped the occupants, was he was the only person who heard a gunshot.
Gun linked to Kerns
They did several interviews with Kerns, and set up surveillance on his home. They soon learned kerns owns a high-powered 30-06 rifle.
Forensic investigators were able to determine the gun matched the bullet that brought down the helicopter.
Kerns was arrested in his driveway as he arrived home Monday night.
Kearns is facing state charges, and could soon face federal charges.
“What’s important is that we're going to prosecute this crime to the fullest,” says Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White. “There are some very serious charges implied against someone who shoots at an aircraft. We intend to work with the FBI and (District) attorneys’ office to bring those charges.”
But he's also an amazingly good shot. I've gotta give him that.
Did not see the key line, "Drink was involved."
Sounds like something alcohol drenched brain cells would see as an interesting proposition.
These charges are serious. Sad too. To think he served this country, in the US Marines, received an honorable discharge only to return and throw his life away.
He is so lucky that nobody was seriously injured or worse.
I am waiting, tick tock, for someone to blame it on Iraq or the military. Those that serve receive from me an extra pat on the back, which I would consider if in fact someone were found guilty of breaking the law. Their service if honorable should work in their favor.
What is over the top, that this might be similar to the case of the Marine of the Year, MA, ( Marine Accused in Shooting Pleads Innocent -- decorated Marine Daniel Cotnoir )who shot at a crowd. He gave a warning shot.
This guy, Kern's has said he was annoyed by the helicopter noise. Get out of town.
If I appear without compassion, it is not meant to appear that way but I just wonder what is going on.
Innocent until proven guilty.
As a retired Marine, this is inexcusable. Lock the bum up if he's guilty, throw away the key.
If you might, what are your thoughts of the Marine who "shot a warning shot" (Marine Accused in Shooting Pleads Innocent -- decorated Marine Daniel Cotnoir )thought nobody would be injured. The charge is over the top, I presume it is about pre trial positioning. Much easier to ratchet down the charges than up the charges but his actions equally concern me.
Again thanks for the comment.
So does half of the population out West. Great hunting rifle!
I don't see where it says he's was a sniper. I was a marksmanship instructor but I was no sniper.
ALBUQUERQUE -- News 13 has learned that the man accused of shooting down a sheriff’s department helicopter is a former sniper in the US Marines.
This is a two fer...
One attack the eeeevil "High Powered Rifle", even a .30-06 which is a pretty standard deer rifle in these parts....more antigun dreck to fuel the anti .50 BMG funk.
Two the "he is military and a sniper so we have to suspect him" crap, which ties into the crazed PTSD time bomb drug addict image the MSM pasted onto returning Vietnam vets, just part of the ongoing attempt to smear our veterans, regardless of in which conflict they served.
The guy said he heard the shot, not that he took it. (just because you can do something does not mean you did), but that would not give them an excuse to sack up this guy's firearms....
Amid the hype, I'll opt for a presumption of innocence.
Forensic investigators were able to determine the gun matched the bullet that brought down the helicopter.
You cannot do that without test firing the gun (rifle) and doing a ballistics check. To do that, (to match the two) you have to have a recovered bullet from the crime scene. Last I heard, no bullet had been recovered from the helicopter. So what gives with this BS?
Um was he listening to the local Oldies station and they were playing "I shot the sherrif but I didn't shoot the deputy?" If so I think he has grounds for a lawsuit! The radio station was obviously at fault for putting the idea in his head..... sarcasm.
He was discharged, not retired, but, yes, a long time behind bars at a minimum.
Sounds like a race to see whether the alcohol effected his judgement or aim first. Looks like the aim lasted at least a few seconds longer...
Ping
Drunk or sober, why did he do that?
While what you say should always be norm, sadly our society has moved from the innocent until proven guilty.
It is as if all cases I can think back on, the media and those who follow the cases have concluded the person guilty.
I suppose some might say, if the prosecutors have enough to charge than he must be guilty and the trial is just formality. I do not support that but it is just how it appears.
He deserves the presumption. But, and this is where I am getting ticked off at the few cases I have read of returning folks from Iraq getting into trouble and than using the excuse of war to justify the actions.
Your comment gave me cause, I will try harder to remain fair.
Thanks so much.
Has PTSD been claimed -yet-- Many the time when I desired
to shoot down them chattering birds just because I wearied of their constant noise. Never did- though -guess I just wasn't under the influence at the time.
I suppose that will be the million dollar question, that may be the plot for a TV movie of the week.
The warrant and documents seem to be sealed at this time. So we are left with speculation.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.