New Video Shows Driver Ramming Detroit Metro Airport Entrance

Seven people were injured in the January incident, which officials say was likely due to a mental health episode.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Wayne County Airport Authority held a news conference to release new surveillance footage of a driver crashing into the entrance of Detroit Metro Airport on January 23. The incident left seven people injured, including travelers and airport employees. Authorities say the driver, who was taken into custody, appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode at the time. The investigation is ongoing as officials await blood and toxicology reports to determine if charges will be filed.

Why it matters

The crash at a major U.S. airport raises concerns about security and public safety, especially given the driver's reported mental health issues. It also highlights the challenges airports face in protecting against potential threats, both intentional and unintentional.

The details

The surveillance video shows the driver crashing through the airport's entrance, injuring four travelers, two Delta Airlines employees, and one TSA employee. Authorities say the driver was taken into custody the night of the incident. The Wayne County Airport Authority immediately secured the area, checked the vehicle, and brought in canines to ensure there were no other threats. The prosecutor's office is now awaiting evidence, including blood and toxicology reports, to determine if charges will be filed against the driver.

  • The incident occurred on January 23, 2026.
  • The Wayne County Airport Authority held a news conference on February 5, 2026 to release the new surveillance footage.

The players

Tadarial Sturdivant

The Wayne County Airport Authority's senior vice president of emergency and support services & operations.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office

The office that is currently awaiting evidence to determine if charges will be filed against the driver.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The investigation was a very, excellent investigation, by our team at the police department, which, got the individual potentially the help that he would need from that standpoint, but there's insufficient evidence that would link on this particular incident to any sign of terrorism.”

— Tadarial Sturdivant, Wayne County Airport Authority Senior Vice President (wwmt.com)

What’s next

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is awaiting the results of blood and toxicology tests to determine if charges will be filed against the driver.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for airports to have robust security measures and emergency response protocols in place to protect the public, especially in the face of potential mental health crises. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations to determine the appropriate course of action.