Teen Trouble Turns To Aerial Mayhem

A 16-year-old Tennessee boy who allegedly decided that stealing an airplane and using it to buzz a neighborhood in the pre-dawn-a.m. was a good way to settle a score with his girlfriend is being described as “a good pilot” by local police. Murfreesboro Deputy Police Chief Scott Daniel told WSMV News that he was impressed by the youth’s flying ability and likened his treetop buzzing of houses and police cars to watching an air show. “We were glad he didn’t get hurt or hurt anybody,” added Detective Maj. Chuck Thomas. “From what everybody said, he was a skilled pilot. He kept control.” It’s not clear whether the boy had any flight training but he’s alleged to have stolen the Piper Cherokee from nearby Shelbyville Airport after arguing with a friend over his girlfriend. After about a half hour (at about 4:30 a.m.) he landed it back at the airport and fled on foot. Police caught up to him a short time later and, at last report, he was being interviewed by FAA investigators.