2 arrested after shots fired at Phoenix Police helicopter

2 suspects arrested after shots fired at Phoenix Police helicopter

Two men accused of firing at a Phoenix Police helicopter are facing multiple charges after officials responded to a shots fired call near 37th and Van Buren streets early Monday morning.

PHOENIX - Two suspects were arrested after police say gunshots were fired early Monday morning at a Phoenix Police helicopter, the department said.

What we know:

Officers responded to the area in response to reports of gunfire just before 1:30 a.m. on March 16 near 36th and Van Buren Streets.

Police say an Air Support Unit helicopter was over the scene, with two Phoenix Police pilots onboard. The pilots saw "multiple men firing a rifle at the helicopter."

No officers in the helicopter were hurt. Three people at the scene were detained, and the rifle was located. 

What they're saying:

"One was not fully compliant, and a less lethal tool was used," Sgt. Jennifer Zak said. "That person was taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury."

Dig deeper:

On March 17, officials announced the arrests of two suspects, identified as 33-year-old Burton Wesley Smith and 28-year-old Duane Marcus Bryant, for firing a rifle at the helicopter. They were both booked on multiple charges, including aggravated assault on an officer and weapons violations. 

Smith is being held on a $500,000 cash bond. Bryant is also being held on a $500,000 cash bond, but has a non-bondable for a probation violation for a separate incident.

The police helicopter was not damaged. 

Map of where the shooting happened: