Police: Man crashes gate at Texas airport, tries to steal jet

KCEN-TV, Waco-Temple-College Station

Show Caption Hide Caption Police: Man Crashed Airport Gate to Steal Plane Police in Waco, Texas say a man crashed his vehicle through a Waco Regional Airport security gate and tried to steal an executive jet. The man was apprehened and was hospitalized for a mental health evaluation. (Sept. 18)

WACO, Texas — Police said a man crashed through a security gate at a Texas airport and attempted to steal a plane from the tarmac Thursday.

Shortly after noon, the man crashed through the gate and accessed a secure area of the Waco Regional Airport, the Waco Police Department said in a statement. The man approached a parked Lear Jet that belongs to a local business and was seen trying to remove the tire chocks and get into the plane.

Texas Aero employees flagged down a Waco Police Department officer who was off-duty and working security at the airport.

The officer approached the man, who was armed with a stick, but he refused to cooperate with the officer's instructions. Police said the man received several shocks from a stun gun but it had no effect. A struggle ensued and Texas Aero employees helped the officer subdue the man.

Police have not released the man's name, but in the statement said he is someone who is known to the department and has a history of mental issues. He was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation, police said.

Once he is cleared, he will face charges of criminal trespass, attempted theft, criminal mischief and resisting arrest, police said.

Police will release the man's name once he is booked into jail.

The FBI was notified and the Transportation Security Administration may file additional charges.