Nevada airport gives advice to tenants and pilots after a man from Idaho allegedly stole an aircraft, burglarized other aircraft and then took it on a joyride in California.
Police told FOX5 Las Vegas that Damian Zukaitis (40), allegedly took the 2020 Kitfox single-engine fixed-wing aircraft from North Las Vegas Airport sometime Saturday afternoon after 2 pm.
According to reports, the man flew his plane for over 100 miles before landing it on a field near Barstow. Owner told FOX5 that cans, beer bottles and a part of a marijuana-laced cigarette were discovered in the cockpit of severely damaged plane.
Several pilots are taking precautions at the airport to protect their property after this incident.
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A stolen 2020 Kitfox single-engine fixed-wing aircraft was discovered in a desert near Barstow (California)
“I think the threat has passed now.” Jeff Lustick, a long-time pilot and aviation lawyer, told FOX5 that it’s time to evaluate what security measures are needed. We’re all working to increase vigilance.
Lustick wants more security, officers, or fencing at airport.
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The North Las Vegas Airport has a security alert in place. (FOX5 Las Vegas)
“The safety and the security of our tenants and pilots, as well as passengers and other airport users is always top priority. We review all procedures and practices regularly.” North Las Vegas Police Department provides law enforcement at the Airport. We work closely together. We also have a private security company contracted to patrol after-hours,” the airport stated in a press release sent to the local station.
The airport spokesperson encouraged tenants and pilots to properly secure aircraft and lock hangars.
The Associated Press reported that North Las Vegas officials believed Zukaitis was also responsible for attempts to steal airplanes during the three days prior to his arrest.
The owner of the plane says that it was severely damaged and contained beer bottles, a part of a joint, and . (FOX5 Las Vegas).
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the aircraft’s value was about $80,000.
The police are still looking into the motive and whereabouts of the suspect. FOX5 reported that FAA records show a pilot by the same name as a student.
Owner of the plane said that a binder with landing instructions was found at Corona Airport, California.
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Zukaitis is facing charges for possession of a stolen plane and taking stolen property over state lines. Police told FOX5 that he will be extradited from San Bernardino County back to Nevada to appear before a judge at North Las Vegas Justice Court.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.