Man with Tools Arrested After Cutting Fence at Atlanta Airport Runway Perimeter

ATLANTA — A man was taken into custody on the evening of July 9, 2025, after allegedly cutting through the perimeter fence at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and attempting to access a runway area.

Around 7:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a male suspect cutting the fence near North Loop Road and Leslie Drive. A concerned citizen provided a photograph of the individual, which was shared with responding units. Officers located the damaged section of fence but were initially unable to locate the suspect.

A coordinated search effort was launched, involving the Atlanta Police Department’s Airport Special Response Team (ASRT), K-9 units, and airport operations personnel. The suspect, later identified as Kevin Peters, was found lying in a grassy area near a runway and taken into custody without incident.

Peters was in possession of bolt cutters, pliers, wire cutters, and a steel spike believed to have been used to cut through the fence. He initially provided officers with a false identity. A fingerprint scan confirmed Peters’ true identity and revealed he had an outstanding warrant from Walton County for Damage to Property. He was also listed as a missing person through the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

Due to previous threats against law enforcement and mental health concerns, Peters was removed from the missing persons registry and, after undergoing a medical evaluation, was transported to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office. All tools used in the incident were collected and submitted as evidence.

No injuries or disruptions to airport operations were reported.