The suspect, Christian Estoque, faces federal charges following an investigation by the FBI’s Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Authorities allege that a single-engine aircraft was reported stolen on Jan. 3
from Auburn Municipal Airport in Washington state. The plane was recovered
three days later at Corona Municipal Airport in Southern California.
According to the complaint, the aircraft’s transponder—used
to identify its location—had been manipulated during the flight, making it
difficult to track the plane’s movements. However, surveillance records and
eyewitness accounts placed the aircraft at an airport in Kelso, Washington, on
Jan. 4. At that time, a couple seen arriving in a rental vehicle were suspected
of being aboard the stolen aircraft.
Investigators later linked the couple to a second aircraft
at the same Corona airport on Jan. 27. This second plane had not been
registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since 2017. FBI
agents conducting surveillance observed Estoque enter the unregistered aircraft
and start its engine. Agents intervened, arresting him on suspicion of
attempting to steal the plane.
Estoque is not a licensed pilot and is not listed on the
registration for the aircraft, authorities confirmed. In statements to
investigators, Estoque reportedly admitted to operating the aircraft while
under the influence of methamphetamine.
Estoque made his initial appearance before a federal magistrate on Jan. 29 and was released on bond. The charges against him remain pending as the investigation continues.
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