When a suspect drove a stolen vehicle onto airport tarmac, Indiana police may have briefly wondered if a mastermind-level getaway was underway. We have all seen enough heist movies to imagine a private jet or helicopter waiting nearby. Instead, authorities say there was no grand plan at all, just a suspect who did not know when to quit.

According to Monroe County sheriff’s deputies, the owner of a Chevrolet Equinox reported the crossover stolen on Christmas Eve. Bah humbug.

Police spotted the vehicle later that day, but the driver fled. Deputies remained on alert and located the Equinox again around 4:45 p.m. on Christmas Day. It was near South Rogers Street and South Rockport Road in Bloomington.

Officers attempted a traffic stop, hoping to return the Chevy to its owner for the holidays. The driver refused to stop and sped away. Deputies pursued as the Equinox smashed through the main entrance and an interior security gate at Monroe County Airport. The vehicle blew past the control tower and drove onto the tarmac.

Stolen SUV breaches airport security

Authorities did not say how long the chase continued once the vehicle reached active airport grounds. The Equinox eventually exited airport property, crashed through another fence, and crossed onto a nearby roadway. The driver then crossed the county line.

Monroe County deputies ended the pursuit. Shortly afterward, the vehicle appeared again behind a residence on East State Road 54 in Greene County.

Police attempted to locate the suspect using a K-9 unit and by releasing photos to the public. Authorities warned that the suspect may have stolen a Ford F-250 and may be “armed and dangerous.” Anyone with information can contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at (812) 349-2534.