Man attempts to steal plane from airport in Texas

A man with a history of mental illness crashed through a security gate at an airport in the US state of Texas and attempted to steal a plane from the tarmac, police said on Friday

The suspect, whose identity was withheld, attempted to steal the jet after breaking into a secured area of the Waco Regional Airport about noon on Thursday, according to a statement issued by Waco police.

The man approached a parked Lear Jet that belongs to a local business house and was seen trying to remove the tyre chocks and get into the plane. Texas Aero employees flagged down a Waco police officer who was off-duty and working security at the airport.

The officer approached the man, who was armed with a stick, but he refused to cooperate with the officer's instructions.

Police said the man received several shocks from a stun gun but it had no effect. A struggle ensued and airport employees helped the officer subdue the man. Police said the accused is someone who is known to them and has a history of mental issues. He was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Once he is cleared, he will face charges of criminal trespass, attempted theft, criminal mischief and resisting arrest, police said. The FBI was notified and the Transportation Security Administration may file additional charges.