Editor’s note: This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office confirms one male suspect is in custody after driving into the Wilmington airport.
“The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office was engaged in a situation at the Wilmington International Airport this evening shortly after 7 PM. A vehicle had breached the fence line at the airport and drove onto the tarmac. The vehicle then retreated from the tarmac and the driver was engaged by deputies with New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle ultimately ended up inside the terminal after crashing through doors and windows. Deputies then detained the driver of the vehicle. He faces several state and federal charges. No one was injured during the altercation,” according to NHCSO.
A TSA employee sustained minor injures and was hospitalized.
Some delays for deplaning from arriving flights have been reported, but an airport spokesperson said those are expected to be dealt with overnight.
The airport issued the following statement:
An automobile breached the airport. No one from the public was injured. New Hanover County Sherriff’s office responded swiftly, detained the individual, and is coordinating with partner agencies. The airport is open and had minimal impact to operations. ILM expects to be fully operational by the morning.
It is not yet known if an intoxicating substance was involved, and the motive for driving into the airport remains unclear.
According to arrest and inmate records from the Sheriff's Office, the suspect appears to be Tray Anthony Dvorak, 37. He's been charged with assault with a deadly weapon (presumably his vehicle) on a government official, a felony, as well as several misdemeanors, including trespassing on airport property, resisting arrest, speeding to elude arrest, and disorderly conduct in an airport terminal.
