A 26-year-old man was arrested after breaching security at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, driving onto the tarmac, and stealing an airport vehicle.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on the 7th. The suspect, identified as Skyler Barr (26) of Everett, Washington, was scheduled to fly to Seattle on a Delta Air Lines flight.
Airport officials stated that for reasons still unverified, Barr bypassed security through Gate 12 and accessed the airfield.
Authorities reported that Barr first stole an Alaska Airlines “tug,” a specialized airport service vehicle used to haul luggage and cargo or tow aircraft.
At one point, a uniformed ground employee was seen approaching the vehicle, and Barr reportedly drove close to the taxiway.
Barr subsequently collided with another vehicle near Gate 7. Authorities stated that after ramming the tug, he attempted to steal an American Airlines lavatory service truck as well.
Airport police arrested Barr at the scene.
Air traffic control communications captured the chaos. When a pilot asked ground control why police cars were swarming the area, the controller replied that a security breach involving a stolen tug had occurred, prompting a ground stop.
Barr was arrested on charges of grand theft auto, trespassing, and vandalism, and was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Police stated it remains unconfirmed whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the incident.
Airport operations experienced no major disruptions as a result of the incident.
