Virginia man opens fire on ‘terrorist’ helicopter
A Virginia builder opened fire on a helicopter with an assault rifle because he believed it was carrying terrorists, police said.
John Chwaszczewski said he became alarmed when the aircraft swooped down over his garage.
He told police the shooting was ‘‘a natural reaction,’’ after having watched the events of September 11.
‘‘Maybe I overreacted, but I did feel this was terrorism at its utmost,’’ he said.
Pilot John Sutton, who was picking up a local businessman, will be charged with recklessly operating an aircraft for his approach over a residential area, a police spokesman said.
Chwaszczewski was charged with interfering with an aircraft, discharging a firearm in a public place, reckless handling of a firearm and assaulting Sutton.
He faces up to eight years in jail and €10,129 in fines if convicted.
