A gunman is accused of firing over two dozen rounds at a Phoenix police helicopter and forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing after robbing a bank last week.
The incident happened April 20 when a 37-year-old man—later identified as Charles Rock—allegedly held up a bank with a gun and an explosive device before taking off with an unspecified amount of money, KSAZ-TV reports. After he left the bank in a vehicle, Rock was followed by an undercover police sergeant in an unmarked truck and a nearby police helicopter, as well as a witness to the bank robbery.
Rock drove to a strip mall, where he exited his vehicle and fired 26 rounds at the police helicopter. The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing at a parking lot, but it's unclear if the aircraft was struck, and if so, how many times.
Finally, the police sergeant opened fire at Rock and struck the suspect. Rock returned to his vehicle and sped off, but he was eventually apprehended, and police seized a "live improvised explosive" from the vehicle.
No police officers or bystanders were injured in the incident. Rock faces multiple felony charges, including armed robbery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
“We’re very fortunate there were no community members hurt by this,” Sgt. Melissa Soliz told KTVK-TV. “This could have gone bad in so many ways.”
Police reported Rock was detained at a nearby parking lot and taken to the hospital with serious injuries. He was booked into Maricopa County Jail on Saturday after being released from the hospital.
A bomb unit and ATF crews found a homemade bomb in the car Rock was driving, according to police.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Melissa Soliz said no officers were injured during the incident, nor was anyone at the bank.
Rock faces multiple felony charges including , and possession of a weapon by a prohibited person.
