A Clearbrook, Minn., man who allegedly shot at a drug agent's helicopter, shattering a window and injuring a deputy on board, has been charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault and a related weapons charge.
Carstie Lee Clausen, 71, made his first appearance in Clearwater County District Court on Tuesday, a day after the shooting.
He told authorities upon his arrest that the overhead flights near his rural Clearwater County property were harassment, and under questioning at his house showed deputies the location of a hidden .30-30-caliber rifle, according to the criminal complaint.
A spent cartridge was found near the rifle, and the weapon was loaded, the complaint stated.
The helicopter was passing over Clausen's house at about 10 a.m. Monday while investigating a suspected marijuana growing plot, authorities said.
Two rounds fired at the helicopter shattered a window and showered the special agent, identified in the criminal complaint only as B.L. of the Polk County/Pine-to-Prairie Drug Task Force, with glass and fragments. Shrapnel was embedded in the agent's arm, rib cage and eyes, according to the complaint.
The damaged aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at the Fosston Municipal Airport.
Clearwater County Sheriff's deputies went to Clausen's house to investigate, and after a search of the house, outbuildings and grounds, found Clausen and arrested him.
