[JYO] Security Incident at JYO - Man with Rifle and 1-866-GA SECURE

Dear Leesburg Pilots -

At the last commission meeting, during the petitioners session, Ken Barbour 
told the following story about a suspicious person at the South End of the 
runway. This story shows that we all need to exercise extra vigilance when 
operating in, out and around our airport.  The TSA's new number 
1-866-GA-SECURE will track all issues and contact local law enforcement. 
Report suspicious airport activity to this number.

As you will see, Ken's story is very disturbing.

Ed
- - -
Ed, as requested...  


 I did not write down the date, but I believe it was about 6 weeks ago. I had 
just arrived at "The South End" of the airport for work. I have manned the 
phones and the ramp area for Pro Pilots for almost a year. I dispatch our 
aircraft and also keep an eye on maintenance needs.

  It was approximately 0745, and as I turned off the main road to come 
towards the ramp area, I noticed a blue Mazda 626 car in the parking area. I 
thought it was a little weird that someone would be at the airport that 
early, not to mention the weather was not good at all for airplane watching. 
Rain on and off all day, low ceiling and windy. 

  I also thought that it was a little strange that he was alone. I waved on 
my way down the hill, but he did not respond. He just looked at me then 
stared off in the direction of the Piedmont hangar and ramp area. I have met 
most of the pilots down at the South end of the field. Needless to say, I had 
never seen him or his car before.
During the day, I occasionally looked in that direction, and his car never 
moved. I had to go on a couple of errands during the day, and again, his car 
was always in the same spot.

Later that day, I went on an instrument flight with one of our instructors, 
we took off at about 1615 and returned at about 1745 or 1800. 

After I had gotten things squared away in the office, I packed up and left on 
my way home at app 1815 or 1830. He was STILL there!

I stopped at the main terminal and reported his presence to the young lady at 
the desk and strongly suggested to her to call the police to check the man 
out.

  The next day Doug called me to give me an update. I must comment that this 
follow up call was NOT requested by me. Doug called me out of courtesy and to 
say "Thanks" for keeping my eyes open.

As it turns out, the man was arrested on numerous federal and local charges.
He had a high power rifle with a scope on it, a full magazine locked and 
loaded into the weapon AND a round in the chamber... In other words, He was 
ready to start shooting!

  There was another weapon, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Just like the rifle, 
a fully locked and loaded magazine, with a round in the chamber.

  I don't know the specific charges, but I do know there were several 
involved. Concealed weapons charges and Federal trespassing were at the top 
of the list.

  When the insanity started with the Sniper, I called Leesburg police to see 
if he was still locked up and was not given any information. There were other 
people that called and they too were not given any info.
I then called the FBI and told them of the incident. I'm hoping they 
contacted The
Leesburg Police for a follow up.

  When I went to the Airport Commission meeting this past Thursday, there 
seemed to be a lot of bickering and animosity in the room. It seems to me a 
lot of time was wasted.

  But the thing that bothered me the MOST was when I gave a brief talk about 
the above-mentioned incident,,, NO ONE on the airport commission, except for 
Doug McNeeley, knew ANYTHING ABOUT IT !!! To my knowledge, very few if ANY of 
the other pilots were aware of the incident.

  That is very troubling. In retrospect, at the time, there seemed to be very 
little concern at all. There needs to be an increased awareness at our 
airport. There also needs to be a MUCH better job done at keeping the pilots 
and others that use our airport frequently informed.

Let's ALL keep our eyes open, when something looks and/ or feels a little 
different or weird,,, take the time to check it out. Who knows what might be 
prevented!!  

Ken

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