Man Arrested for Trespassing at Fort Lauderdale Airport

Authorities have charged a man with multiple offenses after he allegedly breached security at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 2, 2026. According to police, the man climbed over a fence and made his way onto a JetBlue aircraft.

The individual, identified as 32-year-old Sammuel Lackey, was found on a 2012 Airbus A320 by JetBlue staff during a routine inspection. The arrest affidavit filed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office details that Lackey was discovered sleeping onboard after hiding out for several hours.

The JetBlue plane was parked at JetScape Services on SW 34th St. with the left rear door open for maintenance. Portable stairs provided access to the aircraft, allowing maintenance staff to move in and out. Lackey reportedly used these stairs to enter the plane and concealed himself in the bathroom.

The aircraft, with doors closed and latched at around 4:25 a.m., remained undisturbed until staff found Lackey approximately an hour later. His presence delayed the plane’s scheduled movement to the gate for a flight, leading to it being replaced by another aircraft. JetBlue estimated the disruption’s cost at $2,400.96.

In his interview with authorities, Lackey admitted to scaling a fence to access secure areas related to identification and aircraft operations within the airport.

As of Wednesday night, representatives for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and JetScape Services had not provided comments. Lackey faces charges including burglary, criminal mischief, and interruption of critical infrastructure. Court records indicate he does not yet have legal representation and is being held on a $10,000 bond at the Broward Main Jail.