A Florida man who crashed his car through an airport gate and tried to board multiple aircraft told federal authorities he wanted to steal a plane to visit his sister, reports the Independent.
58-year-old Bryan J. Parker was arrested on Wednesday at Daytona Beach International Airport after he allegedly drove his Ford Mustang through a secured, federally regulated gate. Authorities said he was heavily intoxicated with “all kinds of drugs” during the incident.
According to federal investigators, Parker later told officers that he was trying to get onto a plane so he could fly to see his sister. The claim was made during questioning after his arrest and forms part of the case against him.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said Parker breached airport security shortly after arriving at the facility. After crashing through the gate, he attempted to access multiple aircraft on the tarmac. Law enforcement officials intervened before he could reach or board any plane.
Body camera footage released by authorities shows Parker admitting he had consumed a large amount of alcohol and drugs before the incident.
Officers described him as disoriented and unsteady when they took him into custody.
Investigators said the breach raised serious security concerns, as the gate Parker drove through is part of a restricted area at the airport. Federal agencies have since joined the investigation, given the nature of the incident and the potential threat to aviation safety.
Parker has been charged with multiple offences, including trespassing in a secure airport area and criminal mischief. Additional federal charges may follow as the investigation continues.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and airport operations were not significantly disrupted, officials said.
Authorities have not provided further details about Parker’s background or his relationship with his sister.
