SANTA ANA, Calif. â A Delta Air Lines passenger was arrested after authorities say he entered a restricted area at John Wayne Airport, stole an Alaska Airlines ground tug, drove it across the airfield and crashed into another vehicle before allegedly trying to take a second airport service truck.
The incident unfolded at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, while the 26-year-old passenger was preparing to travel from Orange County to Seattle. Aircraft movements were briefly interrupted during the police response, but airport officials said overall operations were not significantly affected.
Passenger entered airfield through Gate 12
Authorities said the passenger was booked on a Delta flight to Seattle when he left the terminal through an access door at Gate 12 and entered the restricted airfield.
The operating area is normally limited to authorized workers, aircraft and ground equipment. Unauthorized movement there can create an immediate safety concern because planes may be taxiing or receiving services nearby.
Investigators have not publicly established why the passenger entered the restricted area.
Alaska Airlines tug taken toward Gate 7
After reaching the airfield, the passenger allegedly took an Alaska Airlines tug and drove toward Gate 7. Ground tugs are used to move baggage carts and other airport equipment.
Video reported by local media showed the tug being maneuvered around the airfield near aircraft as workers responded. Authorities said the tug eventually crashed into another vehicle near Gate 7.
Second airport truck allegedly targeted
After the collision, authorities say the passenger attempted to take an American Airlines lavatory-service truck, a specialized vehicle used to service aircraft waste systems.
Airport Police Services intervened and detained him before he could leave with the second vehicle.
The passenger was subsequently taken to a hospital. Some reports described the trip as an evaluation, while local reporting said paramedics transported him for injuries associated with the crash.
Vehicle theft, trespassing and vandalism allegations
The passenger was arrested on suspicion of offenses including vehicle theft, trespassing and vandalism. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Published reports have differed over his name. Some reports citing authorities identified him as Jay Barr, 26, while later local reporting identified him as Skyler Barr, 26, of Everett, Washington. Because the reporting differs, combining those names into a full legal name should be avoided unless authorities confirm it.
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Flights briefly paused during airport response
Air-traffic-control communications captured the urgency of the incident, with controllers discussing a stolen tug and a security breach as pilots sought information about activity on the airfield.
Although some initial accounts referred to a ground stop, John Wayne Airport later said no official ground stop was issued. Aircraft movements were nevertheless temporarily halted while authorities responded.
The Gate 7 area was closed for about 10 minutes before operations resumed. Airport officials said the incident did not significantly affect overall operations.
Crews checked route between Gates 12 and 7
After the passenger was detained, airport crews inspected the route between Gates 12 and 7 for debris and other potential hazards before normal aircraft movements resumed.
Debris on an operating surface can damage aircraft tires or engines, making the inspection an important safety step after an unauthorized vehicle has crossed the airfield.
Ground safety has also drawn attention following a recent Delta and Air Canada aircraft collision at Los Angeles International Airport. Separately, the Lancair IV-P crash near Hicks Airfield highlighted the emergency response required when incidents occur on or near active aviation facilities.
Delta cooperating as key questions remain
Delta confirmed that the person involved was one of its passengers and said it was cooperating with authorities. The airline said it has zero tolerance for unlawful behavior that could threaten customers, employees or airport operations.
The tug allegedly taken belonged to Alaska Airlines, while the second vehicle allegedly targeted was an American Airlines lavatory-service truck.
John Wayne Airport is owned and operated by the County of Orange. Travelers can check current airport and flight information through the official John Wayne Airport website.
Authorities have not publicly announced a motive, and there has been no verified finding establishing that drugs or alcohol contributed to the incident.
Another unanswered issue is how the passenger moved from the terminal onto the restricted airfield. Reports establish that he went through an access door at Gate 12, but available information does not establish that a particular airport security system failed.
Normal operations resumed after police secured the scene and airport crews completed their safety inspection. Further details could emerge as authorities investigate the breach and the allegations against the passenger.
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