Tommy Lee's helicopter flew to close to them, why is it not that they flew too close to Tommy Lee's helicopter?
The article says that the pilot admitted to intoxication, though the accompanying video seems to indicate that the ensuing BAC test was either within limits or somehow insufficient to book him. On a worrying note, the LAPD spokeswoman refers to "forwarding" the results of their investigation to the FAA for further action, which certainly brings up the question of whose authority they were operating under to that point.
Do police helicopters have any of the requisite jurisdiction over airspace to intercept and detain a civilian pilot? If so, what kind of probable cause/burden of proof requirements do they operate under? Would be very interested to hear some legal opinions on this.