Three alleged thieves were arrested at Fort Lauderdale airport before boarding a flight after stealing hundreds of dollars in designer goods

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – A flight to Baltimore turned into an unexpected jail stop for three alleged thieves at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Saturday. The Broward Sheriff’s Office reports that two men and a woman were arrested after attempting to smuggle hundreds of dollars’ worth of designer fragrances out of the airport’s duty-free shops.

The suspects, identified as Javon Darrell Staten, William Arthur Manning, and Rachael Manning, had arrived at the airport earlier that morning from Baltimore. Instead of catching their evening flight home, deputies say the trio was spotted attempting to leave the airport with bags stuffed full of stolen goods.

Authorities say the theft was interrupted just as the suspects returned to the airport. One suspect made a run for it, dropping bags containing perfumes and sneakers along the way. Deputies quickly subdued the suspect, and all three were taken into custody without further incident.

Read also: Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson encourages high school students across the state to participate in the Florida Farm to School Essay Contest for scholarships

“Javon Darrell Staten, William Arthur Manning and Rachael Manning face charges that include grand theft and fraud,” officials confirmed. Staten is facing additional charges of resisting an officer without violence and violating probation, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Airport officials noted that the arrest highlights the importance of surveillance and security measures in preventing theft. “Our deputies are trained to observe suspicious behavior and intervene quickly, which in this case prevented the stolen items from leaving the airport,” said a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.

The incident comes as a reminder to travelers that airport security extends beyond the checkpoints and that theft from retail shops is taken seriously. Deputies praised their quick response, which not only prevented the loss of merchandise but also ensured that the suspects were held accountable before they could board their flight.

Read also: Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia announces over five million dollars in funding to improve firefighter safety and training across the state

The suspects remain in custody pending court appearances, and authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, the airport continues normal operations, with no disruptions to passenger travel reported.

Saturday’s arrests underscore the risks of trying to get away with theft in a heavily monitored environment like an international airport, and deputies hope the incident will serve as a cautionary tale to anyone considering similar schemes.