Man sought for landing plane at restricted Coast Guard beach at the Shore surrenders
The suspect disappeared Sunday night after touching down on the closed beach at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May.
A flight mechanic wanted for allegedly taking one of his company's banner planes on a joyride at the Shore on Sunday and landing on a restricted beach at the Coast Guard's boot camp in Cape May before disappearing into the night surrendered Wednesday to authorities.
James P. Dahlen Jr., 51, was charged with fourth-degree criminal trespass, a misdemeanor, and could face federal charges, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said.
Dahlen, chief mechanic at Paramount Air Service, had been sought since shortly after he allegedly took one of the company's planes without authorization. His wild flight ended when he landed on the beach at the Coast Guard Training Center about 7:50 p.m. Sunday, prompting a security alert on the base while officials searched for him.
Dahlen, of Cape May Court House, is the stepson of Paramount's president, Barbara Tomalino, who said he took the plane without permission.
Witnesses on social media posted videos showing a single-engine red plane flying erratically along the shoreline before the aircraft landed on the boot camp beach.
Federal officials also are investigating, but have not announced any charges.