According to KTRK’s report on Wednesday, an incident occurred at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where a woman reportedly halted runway operations.
The individual, identified as Ivori H. Howard, was spotted in the vicinity of runway 15L around 8:30 p.m.
Immediately, the runway was closed, and it remained so until Howard’s arrest by authorities 15 minutes later.
The Houston Airport System informed KTRK that they determined the woman had gained access to the airfield through a section of the perimeter fence that complies with federal regulations.
This alleged breach by Howard marks the third incident at the airport within the past two months.
On April 22, a naked man was discovered near an airport ramp. After the airport had announced increased security measures, the airport announced the arrest of a 26-year-old man who attempted to stow away on a flight by jumping a fence.
Both individuals had managed to breach secured zones, as reported by the news outlet.
Howard is currently being charged with disrupting operations at a vital infrastructure facility.
Prosecutors claim that Howard’s actions resulted in a complete shutdown of all airplanes in the vicinity, causing significant monetary damages and posing a serious threat to safety. Howard’s bail has been set at $15,000.
As per the information provided by the outlet, Augusto Bernal, the communications director for the Houston Airport System, announced that extra security patrols would be implemented at the airport moving forward.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed deep concern regarding the reported breaches and stressed that airport grounds should be exceptionally secure.
In the aftermath of these incidents, the Houston airport system may undergo a comprehensive review by the city.
In response to the recent breach, Augusto Bernal, the communications director of the Houston Airport System, acknowledged the need for additional patrols.
He recognized the inherent difficulty of maintaining constant surveillance over the extensive airport area, spanning 10,000 acres and 40 square kilometers.
Bernal specifically mentioned the challenges posed by nighttime security measures.
