By: ABQ RAW staff
POSTED: 03/07/2023 at 2:30PM
Ryan Koplin, 30
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department announced that they arrested Ryan Kolpin, 30, of Albuquerque after he shot at APD’s helicopter on Monday.
According to APD’s civilian PIO, Rebecca Atkins, “APD tactical units were working on a proactive policing operation on Monday evening around 8:45p.m. when a man, later identified as Kolpin, was seen by APD’s helicopter crew firing a handgun from his balcony towards them. When officers arrived at 421 Española St., S.E., they saw Kolpin exit the residence onto the balcony and fired multiple rounds at the helicopter.”
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According to a criminal complaint, an officer in the helicopter reported that the aircraft was flying directly over Kolpin when the officer witnessed Kolpin “flipping off” the aircraft. The same officer said he then saw one of Ryan’s hands come up and he saw a muzzle flash. Another officer on the helicopter advised that he observed approximately four shots fired at them. During the shooting, the pilot had to make evasive maneuvers to avoid being hit by the gunfire. Air Support officers notified officers on the ground about the shooting and the Tactical Unit was called in eventually securing the scene and apprehending Kolpin.
The responding patrol Sergeant stated that several neighbors called in about shots being fired. None of the 911-callers were injured. The Sergeant on scene also advised that 911-callers stated that Koplin was seen holding a black firearm.
Kolpin was booked overnight into the Metropolitan Detention Center on two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer and Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon. Kolpin has a criminal record dating back to 2014 ranging from domestic violence to criminal damage to properties with those cases being dismissed. It is unclear if federal charges against him could be pending for shooting at an aircraft.