World · World News Bureau
Delta passenger arrested after stealing airport tug at California airfield
A passenger at a California airport commandeered a ground support vehicle and operated it on the tarmac before the incident ended in a crash, authorities said. The individual has been taken into custody.
LSN World News ·
A Delta Air Lines passenger gained unauthorized access to an airport tug at a California airfield and drove the vehicle across the tarmac before it crashed, according to officials overseeing the incident.
The passenger, who had been aboard a Delta flight, left the secured area and accessed the ground support equipment without authorization. Once in control of the tug, the individual operated it on active tarmac areas of the airport before losing control and colliding.
Airport safety protocols were activated following the breach, and the situation was contained without injuries reported at the time of the crash. Law enforcement responded to secure the vehicle and the individual.
The passenger has been arrested and is facing charges related to the unauthorized operation of airport equipment and trespassing in restricted areas. The incident has prompted officials to review access control procedures at the terminal.
Delta Air Lines stated it is cooperating with local authorities investigating the matter. The airport's operations were briefly disrupted during the response but have since resumed normal service.