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.”
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.
So does half of the population out West. Great hunting rifle!
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?
"a high-powered 30-06 rifle"......As opposed to a LOW-POWER one?
That chopper should have been at 500 feet...it was violating the resident's rights.