Man Accused of Crashing Through Florida Airport Gate Faces Federal Charges

Bryan Parker, 58, allegedly drove into a restricted area, chased planes, and tried to enter aircraft at Daytona Beach International Airport.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and dented security gate component, lit dramatically by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying a sense of the force and damage involved in this airport security breach.A damaged security barrier exposes the vulnerabilities in airport access control, raising urgent questions about the need for stronger safeguards.Today in Orlando

A federal grand jury has indicted a 58-year-old man named Bryan Parker for allegedly crashing his Ford Mustang through a closed gate and into a restricted area at Daytona Beach International Airport on March 25. Once inside, authorities say Parker drove towards a runway, got out of his car, urinated on the taxiway, and chased after taxiing aircraft. Parker also reportedly climbed into several empty planes and attempted to enter the cabin of a running aircraft.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about airport security and the potential risks posed by intoxicated individuals gaining unauthorized access to restricted areas and aircraft. It highlights the need for robust security measures to protect airports and air travelers from such threats.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, Parker crashed his Ford Mustang through a closed gate into a restricted area at the airport. Once inside, he drove towards one of the runways, got out of his car, ran around the area, urinated on the taxiway, and chased after taxiing aircraft. Authorities also said Parker climbed into several empty planes and attempted to enter the cabin of a running aircraft. Volusia County deputies found Parker's car destroyed and lying on the ground when they arrived at the gate, and they reported that he was highly intoxicated.

  • On March 25, Parker allegedly crashed through the gate and entered the restricted area of the Daytona Beach International Airport.

The players

Bryan Parker

A 58-year-old man who is accused of crashing through a gate and entering a restricted area at Daytona Beach International Airport, where he allegedly drove towards a runway, chased after taxiing aircraft, and tried to enter several planes.

Volusia County deputies

Law enforcement officers who responded to the incident and found Parker's car destroyed and him highly intoxicated.

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida

The federal agency that has indicted Parker on charges of damaging, destroying, or disabling airport facilities and entering an aircraft or airport area in violation of security requirements.

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What they’re saying

“'I went to an AA meeting, and next thing I know, I'm doing cocaine, drinking and smoking pot,'”

— Bryan Parker

What’s next

Parker faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for the charges he is facing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical importance of airport security and the need to prevent intoxicated or unauthorized individuals from gaining access to restricted areas and aircraft, which can pose a serious threat to public safety.