Bastrop Co. Sheriff Requesting Information

While conducting surveying flights utilizing a helicopter to gather data in the southern region of Bastrop County, namely around Red Rock and Rosanky, an Aircraft contracted by BlueBonnet Electric Cooperative, was struck from below with a bullet. Bastrop County Sheriff's Office responded to the Smithville-Crawford Municipal Airport and initiated an investigation, during which evidence was collected to support that the aircraft was struck from below with a high-powered firearm with the trajectory path suggesting that the shot was fired directly in the direction of the aircraft. High Powered firearms are designed to deliver significant force and penetration and are commonly used for hunting large game animals or breaching, making improper use of such a weapon highly dangerous. Bastrop County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigations have launched an investigation into the source of the bullet and are asking for assistance in locating the individual responsible for firing the shot which jeopardized the lives of two occupants of the helicopter.
The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office has implemented heightened security protocols which will remain in effect until the necessary areal surveying is complete or the individual responsible is apprehended.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Bastrop County Sheriff's office is asking for any information you may have. Call the office at 512-549-5100 or Crime Stoppers at 866-930-8477