Indians Bar Police After Bullets Hit Copter

ALTONA, N.Y. — State police tried to negotiate their way onto a Mohawk Indian settlement where they believe shots were fired at a military helicopter, but Indian leaders insisted Saturday that no outsiders would be allowed to set foot on their land.

Both sides patrolled blockades on roads leading into the Ganienkeh Mohawk Territory. State police set up the roadblocks Friday after a Vermont National Guard helicopter on an emergency medical flight was hit by three bullets, forcing it down on Indian land.

A civilian doctor suffered a gunshot wound in the right arm and was listed in good condition.

“The dialogue is continuing between the Indians and our people,” a state trooper said, adding that he did not know if police have identified any shooting suspects.

The Ganienkeh Indians, like other Mohawks in northern New York, claim their land is sovereign territory and that federal or state officials have no jurisdiction.