Baltimore Man Detained For Allegedly Trying To Steal Aircraft

A man was arrested after attempting to steal an aircraft at Martin State Airport in Maryland.

A Baltimore man was detained after allegedly attempting to steal an aircraft at Martin State Airport, according to Maryland State Police.

The man, 43-year-old Joseph Goldman, reportedly breached security and drove onto airport grounds before abandoning his vehicle and entering an empty Gulfstream G4. Local news station FOX 45 reported that pilot T.J. Turbin, who was scheduled to fly the jet, found Goldman in the captains seat.

“I looked up and there was someone sitting in the left seat with the headset on, so I’m like this is interesting,” said Turbin. “It was a complete surprise, like, okay something is wrong, what’s wrong, let’s figure out what’s wrong. I have never seen this in my whole career in aviation. I have never seen anything like that,” he told Fox45.

Turbin stopped the suspect until police arrived. Court records show Goldman was charged with theft, trespassing, entering a restricted area and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Following the charges, a judge ordered that Goldman undergo a psychiatric evaluation.  

Reports show Goldman has a long history of legal issues.  

Amelia Walsh is a private pilot who enjoys flying her family’s Columbia 350. She is based in Colorado and loves all things outdoors including skiing, hiking, and camping.