Alleged drunk driver arrested after driving through Florida airport gate, trying to board planes

“I went to an AA meeting, and next thing I know, I’m doing cocaine, drinking, and smoking pot,” Bryan Parker said

Published: March 26, 2026 2:59pm

An alleged drunk driver was arrested after driving through a gate at Daytona Beach International Airport and trying to board multiple planes.

Bryan Parker, 58, was highly intoxicated on Wednesday around 4:25 p.m. when he entered the airport’s international terminal, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, The Hill reported.

Parker entered the runway in his blue Ford Mustang and nearly struck a taxiing plane being used by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, according to witnesses.

Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies said Parker tried to board an occupied, running airplane. However, the plane was locked, and he was unable to board.

Parker then ran to another airplane, but an airport operations technician chased him, pulled him out of the plane, and sat him on a truck’s tailgate, the sheriff's office said. He jumped off the tailgate and ran toward another plane before security stopped and handcuffed him, according to the sheriff’s office.

When deputies arrived at the gate, they found Parker’s car destroyed.

“I went to an AA meeting, and next thing I know, I’m doing cocaine, drinking, and smoking pot,” Parker said when authorities questioned him.

“I’m lucky I didn’t get on my … motorcycle,” the suspect added.

Parker was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail and charged with attempted aircraft piracy, burglary of a conveyance, felony trespass, exposure of sexual organ, criminal mischief, DUI property damage, and refusal to submit to testing.

Officials said that operations at the airport continued without disruption.

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