Los angeles: A small aircraft crashed at a Los Angeles airport early Thursday after a suspect allegedly broke into the facility around 4 am (1200GMT) and stole a plane, according to Los Angeles Airport Police. The incident involved a single-engine Cessna C172 that collided with a hangar at approximately 5 am (1300GMT).

According to Anadolu Agency, authorities identified the suspect as 37-year-old Ceffeareno Logan, who has been taken into custody on suspicion of burglary and aircraft theft. The FBI's Los Angeles field office confirmed that federal agents also responded to the incident, emphasizing the severity of the security breach.

The Los Angeles Airport Police detailed the sequence of events, stating that Logan trespassed onto a private leasehold at Van Nuys general aviation airport. He gained access to the Cessna aircraft, leading to damage to adjacent infrastructure. Van Nuys is a neighborhood of Los Angeles, and the police highlighted their swift response in apprehending the suspect.

Images from the scene revealed that the Cessna C172 created a significant hole in the hangar. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the aircraft never became airborne. Investigators believe it collided with the building while taxiing, as reported by TV station KTLA.

The aircraft was later removed from the crash site and moved inside a building, where footage showed it with a damaged propeller. Officials have not disclosed whether they are seeking additional suspects in relation to the incident.