Man hops fence at FLL, takes snooze on JetBlue plane, deputies say

A man is accused of sneaking over a fence at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, climbing onto an empty JetBlue plane during maintenance and hiding on it for several hours, deputies said.

Read more Manhunt in fatal shooting concludes after fifth shooter walks into jail: BSO

JetBlue employees found Sammuel Lackey, 32, sleeping aboard a 2012 Airbus A320 during a routine interior inspection prior to moving the jetliner early Sunday, according to an arrest affidavit by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

The aircraft was parked at JetScape Services, 350 SW 34th St., with the left rear door open, the affidavit said. There were portable stairs attached to the plane, so employees could enter and exit during maintenance.

At some point, Lackey climbed the stairs, entered the aircraft and hid in the bathroom, the affidavit said. The doors were closed and latched around 4:25 a.m. with him inside, and staff found him about an hour later.

After Lackey was found aboard, the plane wasn’t able to get to its gate on schedule for a flight, according to the affidavit, and another aircraft had to take its place. JetBlue valued the service interruption at $2,400.96.

Read more Perez Hilton’s team releases statement after alarming livestream in Miami

In an interview with authorities, Lackey said he climbed over a fence to access the secure identification and aircraft operations areas within the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the affidavit said.

Spokespeople for the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and JetScape Services didn’t immediately respond Wednesday night to requests for comment.

Lackey is accused of burglary, criminal mischief and interrupting critical infrastructure. He didn’t have an attorney listed yet, court records show. He was being held on a $10,000 bond Wednesday at the Broward Main Jail.

Read more How the restoration of Apalachicola Bay is expected to affect oyster harvesting