Ohio police chopper camera falls off, smashes cars

[August 27, 2010]  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A camera mounted to a police helicopter in Ohio fell off mid-flight, striking at least three vehicles in a parking lot.

No one on the ground was hurt when the infrared camera valued at roughly $100,000 came crashing down around noon Wednesday in Columbus. One vehicle was heavily damaged.

At the time the chopper dropped its accidental bomb, the helicopter was being used in the search for a missing woman.

Police Sgt. Richard Weiner (WY'-nur) says the camera had been reinstalled on the chopper before it took off.

It's not clear why the camera came unhitched. Police are investigating, along with the Federal Aviation Administration.

[Associated Press]

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