Florida Man Tries and Fails to Steal Airplane, Leaves Gun and Tactical Vest Behind

A Florida man was arrested Monday for trying to steal an airplane from a Fort Myers airport, leaving a gun and tactical vest behind after he crashed the plane on the runway and fled the scene.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said that Bruce Plummer, 43, tried unsuccessfully to get into one plane at Page Field but got into a second plane. He got the plane moving, but moments later crashed it into a fence and pole, WBBH reported. The gun, registered to Plummer, and vest were found along the perimeter of the airport.

Deputies later found video of the suspect at a nearby Circle K, where he made a purchase before trying to steal the plane.

Surveillance video from the airport itself showed Plummer getting out of the crashed plane at about midnight.

Plummer was arrested at his home when deputies served a search warrant. Investigators have not said why was stealing the plane or what he intended to do with the gun and tactical vest.

Jail records show he was charged with burglary, grand theft, and possessing a bulletproof vest during certain crimes. He is due in court on April 1.

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Featured image: Bruce Plummer/Lee County Sheriff’s Office]