While waiting for Delta flight, police say man detoured, allegedly stole and crashed airport vehicle

A 26-year-old man from Everett, Washington, breached security at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana around 5:30 p.m. on October 6, 2026, during a joyride across the tarmac. The suspect entered the restricted ramp area and stole an airport tug near Gate 12, driving it toward American Airlines gates before being apprehended by authorities after about ten minutes. Video footage showed him maneuvering dangerously close to planes and attempting to access another vehicle belonging to American Airlines or possibly Alaska Airlines. The man was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, vandalism, and trespassing; he remains under medical evaluation but it's unclear if intoxication played a role in the incident.