Cory Wayne Patterson, 29, of Shannon, Lee County, Mississippi, United States has some flight instruction. However, he did not have a pilot’s license.

In 2012, Patterson started working at Tupelo Aviation at Tupelo Regional Airport in Tupelo, Lee County. As a lineman, he is responsible for fueling aircraft.

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At 5:08 a.m. on September 3, 2022, Patterson stole a Beechcraft King Air C90 twin engine aircraft and took off from Tupelo Regional Airport. The plane is capable of carrying seven people and it has a wingspan of 50 feet. 

At around 5:23 a.m., Patterson called 911 from the aircraft and said he was going to crash the plane into the West Main Walmart in Tupelo. The store and surrounding areas were immediately evacuated and many major streets in Tupelo were shut down.

Negotiators from the Tupelo Police Department contacted Patterson and convinced him to land the plane at Tupelo Regional Airport. A private pilot assisted police in helping the Shannon resident.

Upon final approach, Patterson aborted the landing and traveled northwest. At around 9:30 a.m., he took to Facebook so say goodbye.

“Sorry everyone,” Patterson wrote. “Never actually wanted to hurt anyone. I love my parents and sister this isn’t your fault. Goodbye.”

Police later re-established radar contact with the plane. Patterson confirmed he had landed in a field behind the Gravestown Volunteer Fire Department in Ripley, Tippah County, Mississippi.

Patterson was taken into custody. He was charged with grand larceny and making terroristic threats.