Arkansas Pilot Stops Armed Teen at Texarkana Regional Airport

An Arkansas pilot is being hailed as a hero after preventing a potentially deadly situation at Texarkana Regional Airport on Tuesday.

Getty Images

Teen Demands Plane, Airport Staff Alerts Police

A 15-year-old armed with a high-powered rifle and a handgun entered the airport’s Signature Aviation facility, demanding access to a plane. According to the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD), the teen chambered a round, prompting a staff member to flee to a back office and alert authorities.

Quick-Thinking Pilot Confronts and Disarms Suspect

As the teen moved onto the airfield, a pilot retrieved his firearm from his truck and confronted the suspect, ordering him to get on the ground. The teen complied and was disarmed before law enforcement arrived and took him into custody. Authorities later discovered a shotgun in the teen’s vehicle, adding to the gravity of the situation.

Teen Faces Serious Charges, Motive Remains Unclear

The suspect, who is not from the Texarkana area, faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, attempted aggravated robbery, and first-degree terrorist threatening. He has been transferred to an Arkansas juvenile detention center, where he awaits a court appearance. Police have not yet determined his motive.

Authorities Praise Heroic Actions, Airport Reviews Security

Law enforcement and airport officials commended the pilot and Signature Aviation staff for their quick actions, crediting them with preventing potential loss of life. “We are very thankful that there were no injuries, no lives lost, but really it was through the actions of this pilot and by the staff at Signature Aviation that lives were saved,” said Paul Mehrlich, the airport’s director.
Texarkana Regional Airport remains open and fully operational, and officials are reviewing security protocols to identify possible improvements. “If you can even shave 10 to 15 seconds off, that can mean more lives saved in the future,” Mehrlich noted.