SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Fox44 was there as Brent Rutledge, 39 of Winooski, was confronted by police after breaking through a fence to enter the Burlington International Airport Wednesday.
"He appeared disoriented and also somewhat distraught," said Burlington Police Deputy Chief Andi Higbee.
Shortly before police say Rutledge entered the restricted area.
They say he broke through a fence, drove hundreds of feet, and broke through a second fence before being stopped by police.
"It certainly could have turned worse. Fortunately it ended in the fashion that it did," said Higbee.
Police say Rutledge was not injured but was taken to the hospital to be evaluated.
They aren't sure what caused him to do this.
But they say his actions caused thousands of dollars in damages.
Police have asked airport officials to walk along the fence and in places that Rutledge drove through they've suggested putting other barriers like concrete.
By Wednesday afternoon work to make the airport safer was in motion.
Employees put three large rocks at the end of Kirby Road, to prevent someone else from driving up to the fence.
Even though police say Rutledge's actions caused a scare, one good thing they say, it showed their security measures worked.
"The airfield was not closed down. There was no incursion of any of the movement areas which include the runway or taxi ways," said Higbee.
When Rutledge is released from the hospital police say he'll be charged with unlawful mischief and unlawful trespass. On Thursday, he was still being evaluated at the hospital.
Brett Rutledge will be arraigned next month on October 2.
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