Wanted to visit sister: Florida man pleads guilty after trying to steal plane and crashing into Daytona airport

A Florida man who crashed his car into an airport gate and tried to board multiple planes told federal authorities he wanted to steal a plane to visit his sister, The Independent reports. Bryan J. Parker, 58, was arrested Wednesday at Daytona Beach International Airport after he allegedly drove his Ford Mustang through a federally regulated security gate. Authorities said he was severely intoxicated after taking “a variety of drugs” during the incident.Parker later told police he was trying to board a plane so he could fly to visit his sister, according to federal investigators. The claim was made during questioning after his arrest and is part of the case against him.The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said Parker violated airport security shortly after arriving at the facility. After breaking through the gate, he attempted to approach multiple planes on the tarmac. Law enforcement officers intervened before he arrived or boarded any aircraft.Body camera footage released by authorities shows Parker admitting he had consumed heavy amounts of alcohol and drugs before the incident. Police said he was disoriented and unsteady when they detained him.Investigators said the breach raised serious security concerns because the gate Parker drove through is part of the airport’s restricted area. Due to the nature of the incident and the potential threat to aviation safety, federal agencies have joined the investigation.Parker was charged with multiple crimes, including trespassing into a secure area of ​​the airport and criminal mischief. Additional federal charges may be filed as the investigation continues.Officials said no injuries were reported and airport operations were not seriously disrupted.Authorities did not provide further details about Parker’s background or his relationship with his sister.