A man in Denver, Colorado, is currently facing multiple charges after he allegedly crashed through an airport gate. Reportedly, the damages were calculated to be at least of $1 million, and it is the second incident of the kind to have happened at the same airport during May 2026.
According to a probable cause statement cited by 9News, the incident began at around 2:13 a.m. on Monday, May 25. Denver officers responded to a disturbance reported at Denver International Airport (DIA), near Peña Boulevard.
A responding officer observed a white Lexus NX250 parked near an airport gate. As the officer approached, however, the driver, later identified as 34-year-old Christopher Leonard Alonzo, allegedly attempted to back his vehicle toward the patrol car.
No collision between the two vehicles occurred. Alonzo, however, then drove straight through a loading dock gate, part of an airport operations building, the statement said.
Driver Arrested Following Crash
Following the crash, the 34-year-old man is accused of entering a secured employee parking lot. Moments later, according to police, Alonzo left his vehicle.
Eventually, officers found the man hiding behind an electrical box, an arrest affidavit said, as reported by Denver7. Officers approached him to follow through with the arrest, but things continued to escalate.
As per the police, Alonzo resisted arrest. While he was being handcuffed, he allegedly began to kick officers and tensed his arms, but ultimately, he was taken into custody.
Suspect Charged, Million Dollar Damage
Christopher Leonard Alonzo is currently facing multiple charges. These are criminal mischief causing $1 million or more in damage, resisting arrest, and driving under the influence.
Alonzo’s criminal mischief is classified as a class 2 felony, which is the most severe classification. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.
Currently, the Denver Police Department has yet to specify a motive behind the incident. Still, this is the second event of the kind that has occurred at DIA, with the crash being preceded by a fatal incident early in May 2026.
Past May Incident
As per NBC News, a 41-year-old man identified as Michael Mott jumped over an 8-foot barbed wire fence at DIA on May 8. As per DIA CEO Phil Washington, operators didn’t see him, as cameras picked up on a herd of deer outside the perimeter fence at the same time.
Approximately two minutes later, at around 11:19 p.m., Mott was fatally struck by a Frontier flight. The aircraft was departing DIA at the time.
Officials ruled Mott’s death a suicide. NBC News cited records that showed that he had previous charges of burglary, criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, and escaping from custody or a detention facility.