Police in California are investigating a helicopter crash that they say happened after a failed theft attempt overnight at the Sacramento Executive Airport.
Officers were called to the airport on reports of multiple attempts to break in to helicopters between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Wednesday, Sacramento Police said. Upon arrival, officers saw a helicopter that had sustained "major damage." No injuries were reported.
"Nobody is in custody at this time," police said. "This investigation is in its early stages, and this information is preliminary as detectives work to learn exactly what occurred."
The FBI is also investigating, the federal agency said.
A photographer for NBC affiliate KCRA of Sacramento described the helicopter as "totaled" after observing it on its side, the station reported. He said debris littered the tarmac for several yards, and it appeared the rotors were smashed.
The company that operates the helicopter, Capitol Helicopters, said it was “severely damaged.” Several helicopters it operates were vandalized, it said.
“We are hopeful that the people responsible are located quickly,” the company said in a statement.