texas

Court: Arkansas Man Who Tried to Steal Jet Can Stand Trial

An 18-year-old Arkansas man who authorities say tried to steal a commercial jet and fly to a rap concert has been found competent to stand trial.

The Texarkana Gazette cites a Dec. 21 court filing in reporting that a mental health review determined Zemarcuis Devon Scott understands the charges against him and can assist a lawyer in his defense.

Scott, a Texarkana resident with no training as a pilot, pleaded not guilty in August to charges of attempted commercial burglary and attempted theft of property.

Authorities have said Scott was found July 4 inside the cockpit of an American Eagle jet at Texarkana Regional Airport and had hoped to fly to an out-of-state concert.

He allegedly told investigators he thought piloting the plane would involve little more than pushing buttons and pulling levers.

The 44-seat jet wasn't damaged.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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