On February 15, at approximately 2200 hours, officers from the California Highway Patrol had just landed their Bell 206 LongRanger at Fullerton Airport in California. The aircrafts rotors were still spinning and the crew was just about to begin their shutdown checklist when a man suddenly appeared at the pilot's door yelling and screaming. The pilot opened the door and the man, identified as Edwin Rosales of Anaheim was irrational and was believed to be under the influence of narcotics, forcefully grabbed his arm. With the aircraft still running, the pilot pushed the Mr. Rosales backwards and told him to get back. The stood still with a wild look on his face. The pilot yelled to his partner to get out of the aircraft, and a struggle ensued between the partner and Mr. Rosales. During this struggle Mr. Rosales was screaming, "Just shoot me!" The pilot performed an emergency shutdown, and as quickly as possible, jumped out of the aircraft to assist his partner. After a brief struggle, the officers were able to handcuff and take Mr. Rosales into custody. Rosales was booked at the Fullerton City Jail on charges of misdemeanor trespassing of the airport, at 4011 W. Commonwealth Ave., being under the influence and resisting arrest. The aircraft was parked right next to a Jet fuel "fuel farm". If Mr. Rosales had been able to get control of the aircraft, or simply cause the aircraft to move, the results could have been tragic.
Lessons Learned
It is hard to imagine a more secure and safe place than a law enforcement flight line; normally surrounded by fences, many with other security enhancements such as perimeter alarms and cameras. Most flight lines in the United States, especially law enforcement areas are very secure. The flight crews had every reason to be relaxed as they were likely finishing their activities for the evening. This incident demonstrated quite vividly that no matter where you are, as long as you are wearing the uniform, you could become a target.
Around the country, particularly in some rural areas, law enforcement aviation units have been forced to land to intervene in life threatening situations. These landings have come in response to assist another officer to landing because no ground units were reasonably close. It is dangerous to assume this could only happen in a rural area. In an east coast city a flight crew was commencing an approach to a baseball field to assist a solo officer that was struggling with a suspect. As they turned final to land, two ground units arrived, allowing them to abort their approach and continue to provide aerial support.
Another lesson learned is the value of law enforcement equipment and accessories such as handcuffs, non-lethal devices and bullet resistant vests. There are many flight crews, because of their very limited public interaction, that no longer routinely carry these items or no longer wear the occupationally specific safety equipment such as bullet resistant vests.
Absolutely the most valuable lesson learned is the necessity to always maintain the tactical mindset, regardless of assignment or location. Many of us are familiar with Jeff Cooper's survival codes condition white, yellow, orange and red. These are mindsets that officers use while working. In this case, the CHP officers reacted quickly, tactically and professionally and were able to prevent a tragedy. They were in condition yellow and reacted appropriately. The pilot commented that he was glad he had all his equipment for the totally unexpected incident. The crew was faced with some very tough circumstances: a running aircraft, a mentally disturbed individual and a fuel farm all in close proximity. By all accounts, they did a masterful job and managed all these problems successfully!
Unfortunately, it appears as though flight crews are facing increased threats. The use of lasers to shine at aircraft is on the rise. As lasers being sold become more powerful, certain persons are taking the opportunity to have demented fun, and are shining them at law enforcement aircraft. As a pro-active move, states should be exploring possible legal statues that would cover such an event.
Always maintain awareness and be prepared for anything!
Kenneth J. Solosky
Lt. Kenneth J. Solosky retired after 21 years of service with the New York City Police Department and had been assigned to the Warrant Division and as a police academy instructor, serving in the ranks and assignments as a. patrol officer, patrol sergeant, lieutenant, and patrol platoon commander, He retired as the Chief Pilot/Director of Training in the NYPD Aviation Unit. Ken recently was appointed the Chief Pilot for the Newark, NJ Police Aviation Unit. Ken has a BA degree in Public Administration from St. John's University and a Masters degree in Criminal Justice from the City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He holds FAA Airline Transport Pilot ratings in both airplanes and helicopters, is a certified flight instructor and a member of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA). He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
