A Rolando man who fired a single shot at a police helicopter because his boat and vehicle were towed was recently released from jail and is now in a rehabilitation treatment center.

Richard Lee Favorite, 50, received credit for serving 165 days in jail and was placed on terms of two years probation by San Diego Superior Court Judge Dwayne Moring.

Favorite pleaded guilty to firing at a police helicopter in the March 16 incident from his home in the 6100 block of Tarragona Drive at approximately 3:50 p.m.

Police said a man called police 30 minutes earlier and said his boat and vehicle were towed without warning and was very upset and cursing. The man said he would grab a gun and start shooting people before hanging up.

The single shot missed the helicopter, but police said the helicopter was occupied by three San Diego police officers including a pilot and two tactical flight officers.

The homicide unit responded to the call because it was considered an attempt on the life of the officers. Police arrested Favorite because of the threat.

He was charged with assault with a firearm on three officers, and two counts of discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner. These counts were dismissed when he pleaded guilty to the felony charge of firing a shotgun at the helicopter.

Moring ordered Favorite to complete the program he entered. If he violates probation conditions, he could be sentenced to seven years in prison, according to court records.

The judge said Favorite is forbidden from owning firearms because he is now a felon and the firearms recovered in his home were impounded earlier.

Moring said police officers must be protected. He said the letters from Favorite’s wife, sister, and mother were supportive.

Crédito de la foto: Pixabay.com