A 17-year-old boy from Victoria was detained by airport staff and passengers after allegedly breaching security and boarding a flight at Avalon Airport on Thursday. The teen, wearing hi-vis clothing similar to that worn by ground crew, was found carrying a shotgun on the tarmac.
Passengers intervened before police arrived, tackling the boy to the ground to prevent further harm. No injuries were reported during the incident. Authorities are investigating and may charge the teen with federal and state offenses.
The Jetstar flight had departed when airport staff noticed the suspicious individual. A group of passengers quickly subdued him using a nearby fire extinguisher as a makeshift weapon, before handing him over to police.
Police have confirmed that they found two bags and a vehicle linked to the boy during their investigation. The Bomb Response Unit was also deployed due to safety concerns.
Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid stated that the teen attempted to climb onto the plane by mounting the stairs while passengers identified him as carrying a firearm. Three passengers subdued him before police took custody, and he is now being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Source: https://people.com/teenager-tackled-by-passengers-allegedly-breaching-security-fence-boarding-flight-gun-11692011