Man Indicted in Firefighting-Aircraft Shooting

A northern Minnesota man has been federally indicted for allegedly shooting and damaging an aircraft that was fighting a wildfire.

Daniel Christian Pettit faces charges of damaging an aircraft and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

Federal prosecutors allege Pettit fired at the aircraft during a May 15th firefighting operation near Orr. The pilot landed safely in Hibbing and later discovered bullet damage to the aircraft’s rudder.

The pilot was not injured. Pettit has claimed he was hunting crows and did not intentionally target the aircraft.
The allegations have not been proven in court.