Spalding Sheriff Chopper Comes Under Fire

GRIFFIN, Ga. -- A police helicopter on a drug eradication mission was hit by shotgun pellets Thursday.

Spalding County Special Agent Brian Smith has flown hundreds of marijuana surveillance missions, but never like the one Thursday when his helicopter came under fire.

?It was several loud quick tapping noises on the underside of the helicopter. From what I heard I thought there would be a lot more damage than what there is so I immediately made a precautionary landing,? he said.

The underside of the chopper is littered with small dents Smith said is most likely from shotgun pellets. The helicopter?s tail also suffered minor damage.

Smith said he thinks the person who shot at him could be growing marijuana or involved in some other illicit activity.

?It?s apparent to me we were real close to what we were looking for,? he said.

The FBI is investigating the shooting. It is not disclosing the exact location where it took place. Smith says he and his partner were near the Spalding-Pike county line.

Spalding County Special Operations Captain Novin Darsey said the incident could have been much worse.

?It could have caused the aircraft to explode in the air,? he said.

Smith said he hopes whoever shot at him realizes that magnitude of their actions.

?Whoever was shooting at this machine, this machine is flown by real live people with real live families. This is not fun and games,? he said.

Smith says he's more determined than ever to keep marijuana off the streets.