Man Trespasses Onto John Wayne Airport Runway, Police Says

COSTA MESA, CA — A Costa Mesa man allegedly climbed a fence at John Wayne Airport Thursday morning and walked along a runway before getting arrested.

Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff's Department took Jeff Pollich, 30, into custody on suspicion of possessing a weapon and trespassing. An employee in the airport's tower reportedly spotted Pollich around 8:05 a.m., walking from a grassy area near the 405 Freeway, the sheriff's department said.

He allegedly climbed a fence on the northwest side of the airport, according to Anna Sohpia Servin, the airport's public information officer.

"Airport officials are reviewing the incident and continuing surveillance and security measures," she said.

Pollich was taken into custody and allegedly told deputies he was trying to take a shortcut through the airport, the sheriff's department said. The man will undergo a medical evaluation, according to authorities.

The alleged trespassing did not interrupt flights at the airport, according to Servin.

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, whose district includes Costa Mesa and who was also formerly the city's mayor, said in a statement, "John Wayne Airport prioritizes the comfort and safety of travelers."

She applauded the airport's staff for acting quickly and knowing "to say something if they see something."

City News Service contributed to this report.