FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Deputies say an “unclothed” woman shut down the Florence Regional Airport, causing a flight cancelation.
On Monday, officials with the Florence Regional Airport said the woman, who has not been identified, was found without injury, charged with trespassing and transported to a local hospital to undergo a possible mental evaluation.
The woman attempted to enter the airport at a secured access gate east of the terminal at 11:23 a.m. on Sunday. Witnesses told airport public safety staff the woman gained access to the airport and was heading south within the fenced area.
The FAA tower was notified, and the request was made to suspend air traffic until the woman was found to ensure her safety as well as all passengers, according to the Florence Regional Airport.
Airport officials began a search and requested help from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office canine tracking team. After about 30 minutes, the team was able to locate the woman in a drainage culvert north of Runway 27.
The woman was removed without incident. She had not made entry to any active runway or taxiway, according to airport officials.
An American Airlines flight was scheduled to land at FLO during that time but was diverted by the FAA tower back to CLT.
