Northern Minnesota man arrested after suspected shooting of firefighting aircraft

Authorities have arrested a northern Minnesota man from Orr for allegedly shooting an airplane that was providing firefighting assistance on Friday in Portage Township.

On Friday afternoon, St. Louis County deputies and several local, state, and federal firefighting resources responded to the report of a wildland fire approximately 15 miles north of Orr, Minn.

Upon return of an Air Tractor, a fire-suppression aircraft to the Hibbing Airport, ground and air resource crews noticed the aircraft had been hit by a bullet, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said.

The aircraft landed safely, and authorities said the pilot was not injured.

The Sheriff’s Office said authorities believe the aircraft was struck by a bullet after scooping water from Kjostad Lake around 7 p.m.

Authorities identified and arrested a 48-year-old man from Orr on Sunday, May 19, as part of an ongoing investigation. During a search of the man’s residence, law enforcement officials recovered several firearms and ammunition. The suspect is being held in the St. Louis County Jail.

Several state and federal agencies are assisting the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.

WTIP does not name suspects until they have been charged.

Kalli Hawkins May 19, 2026