U.S. helicopter shot while patrolling Mexican border

Drug gangs have been increasing their firepower in recent years. Statistics show that the proportion of high-powered assault weapons has increased since around 2006. Drug gangs have been increasing their firepower in recent years. Statistics show that the proportion of high-powered assault weapons has increased since around 2006. Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images Image 1 of / 68 Caption Close U.S. helicopter shot while patrolling Mexican border 1 / 68 Back to Gallery

The FBI and the Texas Rangers said Saturday they have launched an investigation into the downing of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter near the Rio Grande in Laredo.

CBP said the helicopter "was struck several times by ground fire" about 5 p.m. on Friday. The rounds penetrated and damaged the aircraft and forced the pilot to make an emergency landing. No one was injured in the incident.

The helicopter was forced to land near an industrial park on the city's Northwest Side, according to Joe Baeza, a Laredo police spokesman.

Authorities did not reveal whether the gunshots originated in the United States or in Mexico, but the FBI is seeking tips in the investigation.

CBP, FBI, Texas Rangers, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Laredo police all responded to the scene of the downed helicopter.

A total of five shots were fired at the helicopter, but only two struck the craft, according to a report in the Laredo Morning Times

FBI and the Texas Rangers continue to investigate and further details are not expected until next week.