Teenager Demands Plane at Texarkana Airport, Disarmed by Armed Pilot

At around 7:35 a.m. on Tuesday, law enforcement officials reported that a young teenager entered Texarkana Regional Airport in Arkansas carrying both a handgun and an AR-style rifle. The 15-year-old approached an airline ticket counter and demanded that the staff secure a plane for him, causing considerable alarm among airport employees and witnesses.

One eyewitness, who observed the incident, managed to escape the scene and notify others. The situation escalated further when the suspect exited the building and proceeded to walk along the airfield. In response, a pilot working for a private flight service at the airport was alerted to the situation and took matters into his own hands.

The pilot retrieved a firearm from his truck, safely approached the suspect, and instructed him to lay down on the ground. The teenager complied, allowing the pilot to disarm him before the authorities arrived to take him into custody. No injuries were reported during the confrontation, and the suspect now faces charges including aggravated assault, attempted aggravated robbery, and terroristic threatening. He has been transferred to an Arkansas juvenile detention center pending further legal action and a decision by the district attorney on formal charges.

Airport officials emphasized the safety and security of the facility, with the Airport Director reassuring the public that all flights will continue as scheduled. The local police and airport staff commended the pilot's decisive actions, acknowledging that the quick and peaceful resolution of the incident prevented any harm or loss of life.