Security breach at John Wayne Airport
A passenger from Everett, Washington, is accused of commandeering ground equipment on the tarmac at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, on Tuesday before being taken into custody.
The incident began at approximately 5:30 p.m., temporarily disrupting airport operations and prompting a significant police response. Authorities identified the suspect as a 26-year-old man who had been scheduled to fly to Seattle.
According to airport spokesperson AnnaSophia Servin, the individual gained access to the airfield via an emergency door located at Gate 12 in Terminal B, which triggered an alarm. The man then took control of a tow vehicle assigned to Alaska Airlines. He operated the vehicle as far as Gate 7 before colliding with a utility cart.
The disruption continued after the crash. Authorities stated the man attempted to commandeer a truck designed for handling aircraft lavatory waste before airport police apprehended him. Following the collision, the suspect was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Sgt. Gerard McCann, a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, stated that the individual faces charges of vehicle theft, trespassing, and vandalism. As of Wednesday afternoon, he remained in custody at a county jail, with no immediate information available regarding legal representation.
Air traffic control recordings captured a pilot operating a SkyWest Airlines flight to San Francisco inquiring about the activity while taxiing. An air traffic controller responded that a tug had been stolen, confirming a security breach at the airport.
Delta Air Lines released a statement indicating they are cooperating with authorities. Alaska Airlines directed inquiries regarding the tow vehicle to AGI, identified by airline and airport officials as the owner of the equipment. Neither AGI nor American Airlines responded to requests for comment.