Man accused of crashing into Waco airport gate to steal jet

WACO, Texas (AP) — Police in Texas say a man crashed his vehicle through a Waco Regional Airport security gate and tried to steal an executive jet.

A police statement says the man crashed through the gate onto the airport tarmac about noon Thursday and approached a parked Lear Jet. The statement says the man was seen removing the tire chocks and trying to enter the aircraft.

An off-duty police officer working airport security approached the man, who police say was armed with a stick. Police say several shocks with a stun gun had no effect. A struggle ensued, with bystanders rushing to help subdue the man.

Authorities haven’t released the man’s name. Police say he has a history of mental illness. He’s hospitalized for a mental health evaluation before he’s booked into jail.