Faces Multiple Felony Charges

A 28-year-old man residing in Concord, California, is out on bail after being arrested by Concord police in connection with an attempted theft of multiple airplanes from the Buchanan Field Airport (KCCR) in Concord. Police have charged the man with six felonies including attempted grand theft and attempted fraud.

The story began when a local owner got wind of his aircraft being advertised for sale. Which took him by surprise since he knew nothing about it nor had he authorized any such sale. Police have said they found video footage of the suspect accessing aircraft at Buchanan Field. He was also in possession of several aircraft keys as well as documents relating to aircraft transactions.

During an investigation by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, other aircraft owners were identified who had similar experiences. They followed the information and traced it back to the suspect, who claimed he was an aircraft broker assisting pilots with sales and purchases of aircraft.

Police think they understand what the man was trying to do.

They have an idea that the man contacted airplane owners posing as a potential buyer. He asked them detailed questions about the aircraft and use the information to create and post fake ads online about the airplane. The ads had asking prices well below market value to help grease the sale. Police theorize that the suspect intended to “sell” the airplanes he didn’t own to unsuspecting buyers, take the money and disappear.

Two observations we have: first, no explanation has yet been given as to how the suspect gained possession of keys to aircraft he didn’t own. And second, it boggles the mind to think someone looking to purchase an aircraft would possibly turn over any money at all without a detailed pre-buy inspection of the aircraft and logbooks, not to mention at least one test flight. Flyer beware!

FMI: www.contracosta.ca.gov/