South Portland – (Press Herald) The Portland Jetport was shut down for about 45 minutes early Sunday morning after a vehicle crashed through a fence and entered the airport property, officials said.
The vehicle was found at about 7:30 a.m. on Jetport Plaza Road, which is on the South Portland side of the airport, Assistant Jetport Director Zach Sundquist said. No one was inside the vehicle at the time.
The runway was closed while jetport personnel conducted a safety and security inspection, Sundquist said. The jetport resumed operations at 8:15 a.m.
The vehicle was towed and no flights were delayed or canceled, Sundquist said.
It is not uncommon for vehicles to crash into the fence on Jetport Plaza Road, Sundquist said. The road has a stretch of straight road followed by a sharp curve, and some drivers may not be able to make the turn, especially if they are impaired or driving too fast.
Portland Police Department Sgt. Brent Ross said the crash is under investigation. No one was injured and there was no threat to public safety, Ross said.
UPDATE – NewsCenter Maine Reports the driver of the vehicle has been identified as 33-year-old George Gillmore III who was staying at the Embassy Suites. Police said Gillmore refused to answer questions and was summoned for criminal trespass, leaving the scene of an accident, driving to endanger, and aggravated criminal mischief. Federal charges and fines could follow as well.
