A 26-year-old man was arrested Tuesday evening after breaching security at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, stealing an airport tug vehicle, and crashing it into another vehicle before attempting to take a second vehicle, authorities said.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. when the man, later identified as Skylar J. Barr of Everett, Washington, bypassed Gate 12 and entered the airfield. According to a spokesperson for John Wayne Airport, Barr allegedly stole an Alaska Airlines baggage tug, crashed it near Gate 7, and then attempted to steal an American Airlines lavatory truck before being detained by airport police.
Barr was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and subsequently booked into Orange County jail on suspicion of vehicle theft, vandalism, and trespassing, according to Sgt. Gerard McCann of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Airport authorities confirmed there were no impacts to flight operations during the incident.
Incident Details and Response
The breach was first reported by airport police, who responded to reports of an unauthorized individual on the tarmac. Video footage reviewed by multiple outlets shows Barr driving the stolen tug around the airfield, including near aircraft, before his arrest. A spokesperson for Delta Airlines, whose passenger Barr was scheduled to board, stated the airline was cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Authorities did not immediately disclose whether Barr was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Barr’s identity and provided his residence details, while the John Wayne Airport Police Services handled the on-site response.
Airport Security and Operational Impact
John Wayne Airport officials emphasized that the breach did not disrupt flight schedules or passenger safety. A spokesperson stated that security protocols were followed and that the incident was contained within minutes. The airport did not issue a formal statement on potential changes to security measures following the event.
Delta Airlines reiterated its commitment to safety, noting that it maintains zero tolerance for unlawful behavior and is working with authorities to review the circumstances. No further details were provided regarding potential disciplinary actions against airport staff or airlines involved in the incident.
Background on the Suspect
Skylar J. Barr, 26, was scheduled to board a Delta flight to Seattle at the time of the incident. His arrest record and motives for breaching security remain under investigation. Authorities have not commented on whether Barr had prior access to restricted areas or whether his actions were premeditated.
The incident follows a series of high-profile airport security breaches in recent years, though this event did not escalate to the level of prior incidents involving aircraft theft or unauthorized access to runways.