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.
As a retired Marine, this is inexcusable. Lock the bum up if he's guilty, throw away the key.
I don't see where it says he's was a sniper. I was a marksmanship instructor but I was no sniper.
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.
Drunk or sober, why did he do that?
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.
So what is the motive here, and why do they suspect this guy?
There's more to this story.
This guy was probably a shitbird that got into trouble multiple times, couldn't get promoted (or possibly had some stripes taken away), but didn't do anything (or get CAUGHT doing something) bad enough to get a less than honorable discharge.
It should be thoroughly investigated, but it sounds like this guy brought dishonor upon the Corps (not to mention almost KILLING two people, or more, if the downed chopper had hit someone on the ground) and should be put away for a long, long time.
"Do any of you ladies know who Lee Harvey Oswald was?"
"...the guy who had a bottle thrown at his window opened up to a crowd."
He or his lawyer said the bottle broke his window and his finger was cut. Sounds like the window was closed when the bottle was thrown or it hit a different pane. Has anyone heard any other witness (ie. the cops) describe what happened to his window? Would like to get the full story here. The cops may be more honest than those in the crowd. Of course the club owner has a brother on the force, so they may lie also. Innocent until...
Sounds like the media is resurrecting the old "psychotic veteran" thing that we had to deal with long after Vietnam.
I'd be more disturbed about the case the press is trying to make by pushing stories like these.
OK, OK, he shot the sherrif.
But did he shoot the deputy?
Hey, I exceded the speed limit by at least 10 MPH on my way to work today and I was a Marine in the mid 80's. There must be a 1 to 1 corrolation . I mean the MSM says so.