Terry McIninch says a police helicopter caused some problems in Pontiac after the Dream Cruise. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
PONTIAC, Mich. (WJBK) -
Two men claim an Oakland County Sheriff helicopter swooped down low enough Saturday night to have rocks and dust pelt people and cars near Woodward and Raeburn in Pontiac.
One of those men, Terry McIninch, said his son and daughter were hurt in the windstorm from the county's low flying bird.
"We were pinned down literally," he explained. "If you're a father, you're sitting there watching your kid hit the ground and bounce off cars, and there [is nothing] you can do about it."
However, Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe said the chopper never came below 300 feet, and that it was sent to the area because it is a hot spot and the Dream Cruise ended at 9:00 p.m. It was 10:40 p.m. when the chopper went up.
"We're doing a legitimate law enforcement function, and we have to do our job. We have to disperse that crowd before somebody gets hurt or some shots are fired."
The Oakland County Sheriff's Department is sticking to their story basically saying there were two fights in that area and they wanted to get close enough to make sure that those fights were dispersed.
"Over a million people. That's a hot spot. Last year we had shots fired just south of there. There was a big crowd. There was a big fight. That's one of the areas we've had some problems in the past."
One witness said the pressure from the air was a little much.
"I saw one young mother pushing a baby in a stroller down the sidewalk, and the baby was just screaming because it was being pelted with debris," he said.
More than a million people enjoyed the Dream Cruise from Royal Oak to Birmingham, but people we spoke with said the treatment will put the breaks on their plans in Pontiac.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
KDFW FOX 4 400 N. Griffin Street Dallas, Texas 75202
Main Station Directory: (214) 720-4444 News Fax: (214) 720-3263 or (214) 720-3333