A contract security guard drove a vehicle onto a taxiway at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, on December 8. The car sped past multiple airplanes before deputies detained the driver. Airport officials stated the individual was experiencing a possible medical emergency.
Key Takeaways
- A security guard drove a car at high speed on an airport taxiway.
- The incident occurred at John Wayne Airport on December 8.
- The driver was detained and evaluated for a medical emergency.
- Airport operations were not interrupted.
Incident Unfolds on Taxiway
The dangerous event began around 1:12 p.m. local time on Monday, December 8. A contract security guard, assigned to an airfield security checkpoint, allegedly drove a vehicle onto the taxiway. The car was traveling at a high rate of speed, according to AnnaSophia Servin, a spokesperson for John Wayne Airport.
Footage captured from the scene shows a white sedan moving rapidly along the aircraft-designated path. Airport workers on the taxiway reacted with shouts and alarm as the car passed by several parked and moving planes.
"Me and all my co-workers were just like yelling, giving him the X, holding the [traffic] wands, telling him to stop the plane, and then he zoomed right past," stated Rijken Vanderweide, an airport worker who filmed the incident.
Close Call with Aircraft
Vanderweide highlighted the potential danger of the situation. He noted that the car came very close to a plane. "Honestly, if we didn't tell that plane to stop, he came really close, and if no one noticed or stopped ... he probably would've collided with that nose gear and possibly collapsed that front end of the plane," he added.
Air traffic control recordings confirm the urgency of the situation. A controller warned a Southwest Airlines plane about the high-speed chase on the taxiway. All aircraft on the runway were instructed to hold their positions while officials responded to the scene.
Incident Details
- Date: December 8
- Time: Approximately 1:12 p.m. local time
- Location: John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana, California
- Vehicle: White sedan
- Driver: Contract security guard
Driver Detained and Medically Evaluated
Shortly after the driver entered the taxiway, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office detained the individual. The detention occurred without further incident. A sheriff’s patrol vehicle was seen pursuing the car in the video footage.
Due to the driver's erratic behavior, deputies requested a medical assessment. The Orange County Fire Authority conducted the evaluation on site. Officials determined the individual was likely experiencing a medical emergency.
The security guard was transported to a local hospital for further care. As of Thursday, December 11, the driver remains under medical observation. The airport spokesperson confirmed this information.
Airport Security Protocols
Airports have strict security protocols in place to prevent unauthorized vehicle access to active runways and taxiways. These measures include security checkpoints, restricted access areas, and constant surveillance. Incidents like this are rare but highlight the importance of these layers of security.
Airport Operations Unaffected
Despite the serious nature of the incident, airport operations continued without interruption. There were no reported delays or cancellations of flights at John Wayne Airport. This indicates a swift and effective response from airport security and emergency services.
The employee involved in the incident has been placed on suspension. This suspension is pending a final review of the event. The investigation will likely assess how the breach occurred and what preventative measures can be reinforced.
The quick action of airport staff and air traffic controllers helped prevent a potential collision. Their immediate communication and response were crucial in managing the dangerous situation effectively.
Ongoing Review and Future Measures
The airport authorities are conducting a full review of the incident. This review will examine the security protocols and the actions taken by personnel. The goal is to ensure such an event does not happen again.
The focus remains on the driver's medical condition. The incident serves as a reminder of the many factors that can impact airport safety and operations. The collaborative response from various agencies ensured public safety and maintained normal airport function.
Further details regarding the driver's condition and the outcome of the internal review are expected to be released in due course. The airport prioritizes the safety and security of all passengers and staff.
