Man drives through gate at Florida airport, tries to board multiple planes

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — A man drove through a gate at Daytona Beach International Airport on Wednesday and tried to board multiple planes before airport security caught up to him, Florida officials say.

The man, identified as 58-year-old Bryan Parker, was highly intoxicated when the incident unfolded around 4:25 p.m. at the airport’s international terminal, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Witnesses said Parker’s blue Ford Mustang entered the runway and nearly struck a taxiing plane being used by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Deputies said Parker tried to get on an occupied, running airplane. The plane, however, was locked, and he was unable to board.

Parker ran to another airplane, but an airport operations technician chased him, pulled him out of the plane and sat him on a truck’s tailgate, VSO said. He jumped off of the tailgate and ran toward another plane before security stopped him and placed him in handcuffs, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies found Parker’s car destroyed when they arrived at the gate, VSO said.

“I went to an AA meeting, and next thing I know, I’m doing cocaine, drinking and smoking pot,” Parker said when authorities questioned him.

“I’m lucky I didn’t get on my … motorcycle,” the suspect added.

Parker was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail and was charged with attempted aircraft piracy, burglary of a conveyance, felony trespass, exposure of sexual organ, criminal mischief, DUI property damage and refusal to submit to testing.

Operations at the airport continued without disruption, according to officials.

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