Investigators found mask, replica weapons in truck of suspect who fled police at Oakland Airport
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Authorities are searching for a man who they say fled from police and hit a gate at the Oakland International Airport on Sunday. Police say they were pulling him over for running a stop sign when he refused to stop, fled down an airport access road, and rammed a perimeter gate near Terminal 2.
He was driving at least 50 mph, according to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities said the man jumped out of his truck and fled on foot. They believe he may have jumped into the San Francisco Bay surrounding the airport because a police K9 tracking his scent followed it to the edge of the water and stopped.
Sgt. Ray Kelly with the Alameda County Sheriff Department said the suspect was seen driving around the terminals prior to the incident.
"At this point, we can't draw a nexus to a terrorist event. It is still obviously very suspicious this gentleman's behavior," said Kelly.
His truck was also abandoned on the road next to the water and later towed away. Inside his truck, authorities found Airsoft replica weapons and a mask.
"Initially we looked into the vehicle and had to secure the vehicle. On first glance, we saw what it looked like a cache of weapons. Looked like assault rifles and various paraphernalia with hoods and masks," Kelly said. "They turned out to be airsoft weapons."
Police can't say if terrorism was a possible motive.
The Sheriff's Department says it is not likely that the suspect survived after entering the water.
"The survivability as time has gone by is not good," said Kelly. "The water is very cold."
His name was not released, but he is believed to be a resident of Santa Cruz County.
There is was never a threat to planes or passengers, as he was driving on inactive tarmacs. However, for more than an hour, flights were diverted onto the airport's north field.
The sheriff's department says security measures at the airport will be reviewed.
Keonnis Taylor, spokesperson for the Oakland International Airport, said they're investigating the incident and added, "All details are referred to law enforcement. The airport will not discuss details regarding its security program."
Sgt. Kelly confirmed they'll be working with the FBI and federal partners to figure out what the suspect's intentions were and why he was around the area prior to the incident.
Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.
