A Delta Air Lines passenger allegedly caused chaos at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, after leaving a restricted area, stealing an airport tug and crashing it into another vehicle.
The 26-year-old passenger, identified by authorities as Skyler Jay Barr of Everett, Washington, was scheduled to travel from Orange County to Seattle. At around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, he reportedly exited through an access door near Gate 12 and entered the airport’s airfield.
Once outside, Barr allegedly took an Alaska Airlines tug used to move aircraft and baggage equipment. He drove the vehicle toward Gate 7, where it crashed into another vehicle.
The incident reportedly continued when he abandoned the tug and allegedly attempted to take an American Airlines lavatory service truck. Airport police subsequently arrested him, and he was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The security breach briefly halted aircraft movements while airport crews checked the area for debris. Barr was booked on suspicion of vehicle theft, trespassing and vandalism. Delta said it was cooperating with law enforcement.
No aircraft were damaged in the incident, although the security breach raised concerns about access to restricted airport areas.
