Douglass Byers, a 62-year-old South Los Angeles man, has been convicted of shooting a police helicopter in 2025. The incident occurred when officers from the L.A. Police Department responded to reports of shots fired and found evidence of an AR-15 assault rifle, two Airsoft rifles, and nearly 20 spent shells in Byers' backyard. The bullet hit the tail of the helicopter, which could have resulted in a tragedy if not the pilot and tactical officer were not aware they were hit. Byers claimed he had been drinking tequila and smoking marijuana prior to the incident and was not home when police arrived. Despite no one witnessed the shooting, Byers was found guilty of assault on a peace officer and a felon in possession of a firearm. He faces up to 43 years in prison.