FULLERTON, Calif. - Police in Fullerton arrested a man they say stole a plane and crashed it into a fence after piloting the aircraft off the runway Wednesday.
The incident occurred at the Fullerton Airport at about 3 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Christian Estoque, 32, of Covina identified himself as the pilot of the single-engine Cessna 172 but officers noticed inconsistencies with his statement and took him into custody after discovering Estoque didn't have a pilot's license, the Fullerton Police Department said.
Authorities later discovered that the aircraft was stolen from the Chino airport.
The collision caused a hole in the fence and minor damage to the plane, according to police. The FAA responded to the scene to conduct their investigation.
Estoque was charged with Grand Theft and theft of an aircraft. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Clyde at 714-738-6720 or email bclyde@fullertonpd.org. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.