From Sheriff Mark Harrell
Autauga County Sheriff’s Office
On September 17, 2025, at approximately 4:20 a.m., Haynes dispatched Life Flight for a medical call in the area of County Road 51 in Autauga County. Autauga County Volunteer Firefighters had set up a landing zone in an open pasture. Upon Haynes Life Flight arriving, several shots were fired at the Medical Helicopter, striking the right-side window as it approached the landing zone. A flight nurse within the medical helicopter was struck by the ricochet of the bullet. Autauga Sheriff’s Deputies were already en route to assist as the medical helicopter was able to land safely. The Autauga County Deputies arrived and began to gather information of the proximity on where the shots were fired at the helicopter. The pilot and firefighters on the scene were able to give details of the approximate location. The Autauga County Deputies determined the location and a possible suspect. The suspect, Peter Ellison, white male, 48 years of age, was quickly apprehended without further incident by Sheriff’s Deputies, and the firearm was recovered. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were contacted and have taken over the investigation. Ellison was booked into the Autauga County Metro Jail for shooting into an occupied vehicle, $30,000 cash only bond, and pending federal charges. The flight nurse was treated at the scene, and the original call victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
As the Sheriff of Autauga County, I would like to thank the outstanding work performed by the Autauga County Volunteer Fire Fighters for helping the victims involved in this incident, the Haynes Life Flight pilot for landing safely under fire, and the deputies for being able to gather information quickly and to safely apprehend the suspect. Autauga County first responders are the best, and I appreciate the close working relationship we have at the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office to be able to get the job done and as safely as possible. The public was never in danger due to their quick actions.
It is against the federal law to point a laser, light, or shoot any object including bullets and arrows at any aircraft. It is not wise to try to take down drones as well. It is also incomprehensible that anyone would try to shoot at or use a device that could affect our heroes in flight that are there to save a life. We will work with our federal partners to ensure that this individual is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
