NEW ORLEANS – The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office reported an incident at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner where a man allegedly managed to escape through the emergency hatch and sprinted onto the tarmac on Sunday night. During the episode, the aircraft remained stationary at the terminal.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the man, aboard a Southwest Airlines flight, accessed the over-wing emergency exit door, descended from the plane, and dashed across the tarmac. His apparent goal was to flee in a service truck, but law enforcement intervened, preventing his escape.
Following the incident, JPSO said the man was later taken to a hospital for evaluation. As of now, the identity of the individual remains undisclosed.
According tom WWL, no criminal charges have been filed. However, JPSO stated that the investigation has been handed over to federal authorities.