POMARIA, S.C. -- Deputies said a man and his two sons were arrested on Tuesday after one of them pointed a loaded gun at a law enforcement helicopter.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster said deputies were conducting an investigation at a home on Glymph Road. The deputies asked for a State Law Enforcement Division helicopter to fly over the area to aid in their investigation.

Foster said that as officers began flying near the home three men began waving their arms and making obscene gestures at the helicopter. Shortly after that, the men began throwing rocks at the helicopter, Foster said. He said the chopper was far too high to be hit by the rocks.

According to Foster, the men went inside the home and returned with a rifle. He said officers in the helicopter saw one of the men load the gun and take aim at the helicopter. He said the chopper immediately left the area and requested ground units move in and arrest the men.

“These situations always have the potential to become dangerous, and we are very fortunate that no one was injured or killed during this terrible incident,” Foster said.

Michael Greenberg, 43, and his two sons, 19-year-old Robert Greenberg and 18-year-old Sam Greenberg, were charged with conspiracy and assault with intent to kill.

Foster said whether the gun was fired at the helicopter is unclear.