21-04-2025
Man arrested for trespassing on restricted airport ramp at Charlotte airport
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Virginia man has been arrested after allegedly entering a restricted area where planes are located at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, raising some questions about airport access protocols.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Elijah Nathan Pressley, 27, of Virginia Beach, was taken into custody around 10:30 p.m. on April 19 after officers responded to the report of a trespasser on the ramp area near Gate D4, a secure zone typically inaccessible to the public.
Authorities said Pressley managed to bypass security measures by pushing through two clearly marked doors in the E Concourse, both warning against unauthorized access.
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One of the doors, labeled with three red signs including 'Restricted Security Area,' and 'Emergency Exit Only – Alarm Will Sound,' was forced open before he continued through a second restricted-access door, eventually making his way onto the ramp where aircraft are.
Pressley was arrested and charged with misdemeanor trespass on airport property.
Queen City News has reached out to Charlotte airport officials for further information. At this time, it's unclear if any flights were disrupted during this weekend's incident.
The motive behind Pressley's actions remains unclear, and authorities have not said whether alcohol, mental health concerns, or other factors played a role.
Pressley was booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail and issued a $500 unsecured bond. His case is scheduled to be heard in Mecklenburg County District Court on May 15.
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