Man arrested after admitting to and threatening to shoot helicopters on Facebook

A 41 -year-old Key Largo man was arrested Monday after stating on Facebook that he has shot at a tour helicopter a couple of times and will continue to do so until it stops flying over Boot Key.

James Nicholas Smithey was charged with writing threats to kill or injure.

“The Sheriff’s Office treats every threat with 100 percent seriousness,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “All threats, whether they are posted on social media or not, will not be tolerated in Monroe County and those who commit these crimes can expect to be arrested.”

The case began Monday morning when the owner of Keys Helicopter Tours in Marathon saw on a post on Facebook stating, “I think I’ve discharged my weapon a couple of times at your helo. Don’t fly over Boot Key and I’ll stop shooting.”

The owner contacted the Sheriff’s Office and other helicopter pilots.

Sheriff’s Office Detectives quickly identified the poster as Smithey.

They met with Smithey later Monday and he admitted he was responsible for the post.

Smithey was taken to jail.

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