Local News
LAPD helicopter crashes at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Base in California
A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) helicopter crashed Tuesday during what appears to have been a training exercise at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base in Southern California.
The crash occurred under unspecified circumstances at the military facility located in Orange County.
Initial reports indicate that the helicopter, operated by the LAPD Air Support Division, was involved in a routine training operation when the incident took place.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene to assess the situation. Authorities have not released specific details regarding the cause of the crash.
While early information suggests that the officers aboard the helicopter did not sustain serious injuries, officials have not provided a definitive statement on their condition.
@newschannel3now LAPD helicopter crashes at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Base in California; no immediate word on injuries. An LAPD Helicopter has crashed. Possibly just training at Los Alamitos. The officers appear uninjured. #LosAngelesPolice ♬ original sound – NewsChannel3NOW
The LAPD is working in coordination with local emergency services and the base’s personnel to ensure the safety of all involved.
An investigation has been launched to determine the factors contributing to the crash. It is unclear whether mechanical issues, human error, or environmental factors played a role in the incident. Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to assist with the inquiry, as is standard protocol for aviation incidents.
The Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base is a hub for military and law enforcement training activities. It regularly hosts exercises involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the LAPD.
No further details have been released about the condition of the helicopter or the specific nature of the training exercise.
Authorities are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
Local News
Erica Austin killed in crash with dump truck in Birmingham

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.