Danny Anthony Lopez, 18, pleaded not guilty in Van Nuys Superior Court. He was also charged with two counts of assault on a peace officer with a semiautomatic firearm, one count of shooting at an occupied aircraft and one count of carrying a loaded firearm in a street gang with the allegation that he personally discharged a firearm.
He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Police said on Sunday morning Lopez fired a semiautomatic rifle at a police chopper in Van Nuys, hitting it. The pilots made an emergency landing and were not hurt.
Lopez's mother said her son was distraught over the shooting death of a friend.
