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Florida man tackled at Orlando airport, accused of driving car on runways

Ryan Welch, 37, detained near gate 234, report states

ORLANDO, Fla. – A Tampa man arrested Wednesday is accused of using a car to smash through the fence surrounding Orlando International Airport and driving onto the tarmac, records show.

Ryan Welch, 37, faces charges of trespassing (violating designated operational area of airport), burglary of a structure with motor vehicle and structure damage and criminal mischief more than or equal to $1,000, according to his arrest affidavit.

Orlando police responded around 11:10 a.m. at Terminal C to calls referencing an individual who smashed a vehicle through the airport’s fence, driving on runways and taxiways before parking near gate 237 and exiting said vehicle, the document states.

“That’s bizarre. It’s just something you would never expect to happen,” said Rick Smith, a passenger at the airport on Friday. “... It’s a little bit concerning. I’m sure he wasn’t a terrorist, but that’s the big fear is that somebody would have some ill intent.”

Welch, identified as the vehicle’s driver, was tackled near gate 234 and detained by an airport employee before law enforcement arrived, according to the affidavit.

[RELATED: Trying to find a spot at Orlando International Airport? MCO parking hacks to know]

“I think that was beautiful of (the airport worker). I think that they should pat him on the back and say you did good,” said Cisco Montalvo, another passenger.

“The employee did the right thing. I think he was smart enough to recognize the dangers and take that out,” passenger Adriana Smith said.

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority management sought to pursue criminal charges against Welch, who’s accused of causing at least $3,000 in damage, the affidavit states.

Welch was arrested and booked at the Orange County Jail, where he’s being held on $20,000 bond, records show. He refused to appear before a judge Friday morning.

Ryan Welch, 37 (Orlando Police Department)

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About the Authors
Brandon Hogan headshot

Brandon, a UCF grad, joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021. Before joining News 6, Brandon worked at WDBO.

Mark Lehman headshot

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

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