A 26-year-old man from Everett, Washington, caused chaos at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, on October 6. The incident, captured on video, showed the individual behind the wheel of an airport tug, dangerously maneuvering around the airfield.
The man was scheduled to fly from John Wayne Airport to Seattle on a Delta Air Lines flight. According to reports, he accessed the airfield through Gate 12 around 5:30 p.m. He allegedly took an Alaska Airlines tug, used for moving baggage and equipment.
A Delta spokesperson stated the airline is collaborating with law enforcement. They emphasized the company’s zero-tolerance policy for unlawful behavior, prioritizing the safety and security of customers and employees.
The man was seen driving the tug around the airfield, reversing near an aircraft, and eventually crashing into another vehicle at Gate 7. He attempted to steal an American Airlines lavatory service truck before being apprehended by Airport Police Services.
Authorities arrested the man on charges of vehicle theft, trespassing, and vandalism and took him to a local hospital for evaluation. The incident did not disrupt airport operations.
This event echoes a previous incident reported by Fox News, where a man in Hungary allegedly stole a Cessna 172 aircraft at Kalocsa Airport while intoxicated. After flying the plane near a nuclear power plant, authorities apprehended him post-landing in a sunflower field.