Man Accused of Crashing Through Florida Airport Gate Indicted

Federal grand jury charges 58-year-old with damaging airport facilities and violating security.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged metal security gate lock, the surface heavily textured and reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light, conceptually illustrating the breach of airport security.A damaged airport security barrier exposes vulnerabilities in transportation infrastructure security.Today in Orlando

A 58-year-old man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly crashing his Ford Mustang through a closed gate at Daytona Beach International Airport on March 25, driving towards a runway, climbing into several empty planes, and attempting to enter the cabin of a running aircraft while highly intoxicated.

Why it matters

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

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, Bryan Parker crashed through the gate, drove towards a runway, 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.

  • The incident occurred on March 25, 2026.

The players

Bryan Parker

A 58-year-old man who was accused of crashing through a gate at Daytona Beach International Airport and engaging in various unauthorized activities on the airport grounds.

Volusia County Deputies

The law enforcement officers who responded to the incident and found Parker's car destroyed and lying on the ground at the gate.

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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

The DOJ has charged Parker with damaging, destroying, or disabling airport facilities and entering an aircraft or airport area in violation of security requirements. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of robust airport security measures and the need to address the underlying issues, such as substance abuse, that may lead to such dangerous and unauthorized behavior at critical transportation hubs.