John Wayne Airport security breach involves stolen tug vehicle

A man was arrested at John Wayne Airport on Tuesday evening after allegedly breaching a restricted area and driving an airport tug across the airfield. The incident began around 5:30 p.m. when the suspect exited through a terminal door, descended a staircase, and entered the airport ramp, a secure zone reserved for authorized personnel.

The individual reportedly drove the tug from the vicinity of Gate 12 toward Gate 7, eventually reaching the American Airlines section of the airfield. Upon arrival, he attempted to enter one of the airline’s vehicles. The unauthorized activity lasted approximately 10 minutes before authorities took the man into custody.

Following his arrest, the suspect was transported to a hospital for evaluation. It remains unclear if the individual was intoxicated at the time of the incident.