CLEVELAND — Police have released more information regarding the security breach that briefly shut down Cleveland Hopkins International Airport last week.
Officials say the suspect, 52-year-old Cleveland resident April Ford, broke into a repair building on Aug. 13 and ransacked materials and food. She then made her way into the area of the working airport before eventually being apprehended by officers.
An employee told authorities he had arrived at the United Airlines repair building just before 6 a.m. when he found Ford in the breakroom watching television. The worker asked Ford how she got inside and asked for an ID, and when she didn't answer went to his office to get his radio. When he returned, Ford was gone.
Law enforcement arrived soon after and began questioning the worker when one officer noticed Ford walking within the Airport Operations Area (AOA) toward the FedEx building. She was subsequently arrested, and when the officer noticed her "speaking incoherently" (possibly due to being under the influence of drugs), he called EMS crews to take her to UH Southwest General Medical Center.
Police then reviewed security footage from the United building and discovered Ford had eaten 2 1/2 gallons of ice cream while inside and had also gone through desk drawers, tool chests, and a motor vehicle. It has not been specified how she may have gotten into the building, but as a result of her alleged behavior, airport operations were halted until just before 8 a.m.
Ford appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court two days the incident and was released from custody with an order to be back before a judge this Wednesday. She is currently facing a fifth-degree felony charge of breaking an entering, and a grand jury could still potentially review the case.
The Cleveland Division of Police is still investigating the matter.
