We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Man charged in ramming of stolen truck into Southwest plane

Delairo Koonce
Delairo Koonce

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A man accused of stripping to his underwear at an airport in Nebraska, stealing a truck and ramming it into a Southwest Airlines plane has been charged with theft and criminal mischief.

A judge on Monday set bail at $50,000 for 35-year-old Delairo Koonce. Jail records say Koonce remains in custody Tuesday.

Authorities say Koonce was acting erratically at Omaha’s Eppley Airfield Thursday when he climbed a fence to evade airport police. Authorities say Koonce stripped down to his boxer shorts, stole an airline pickup and drove it into the plane as passengers were boarding. Three people suffered minor injuries.

Court records don’t list an attorney who can comment on Koonce’s behalf.

Koonce’s father says his son has a history of mental illness and drug problems.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File