Montgomery, Ala. (WSFA) – A woman was taken into custody on Tuesday after firing a gun inside Montgomery Regional Airport early Saturday morning. Airport officials identified the suspect as 37-year-old Saundrea Denise Allen, who now faces charges of discharging a firearm into an occupied building and second-degree criminal mischief.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. at the closed TSA checkpoint, where Allen fired a round into a glass window. Afterward, she fled the scene, driving away and damaging two parking lot gates. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
An airport officer on duty at the time witnessed a passenger attempting to enter the boarding gate area through the exit doors. The passenger later told the officer that they had been running for safety after hearing the gunshot. Court records confirm that two officers and two civilians were present at the airport during the incident.
“We are grateful for the swift response from our local law enforcement, which ensured the safety of everyone at the airport,” said Wade A. Davis, Executive Director of Montgomery Regional Airport. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all passengers.”
Montgomery Airport Police, with assistance from the Montgomery Police Department, quickly identified Allen after receiving a description of the suspect and her vehicle. A short time later, Allen was involved in a crash, and officers responded to the scene. Allen was arrested without incident, and a gun was recovered.
Court documents reveal that Allen admitted to being at the airport and firing the weapon.
Montgomery Airport Police Chief Loyd Jenkins confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Allen is currently being held at the Montgomery County Detention Facility. The motive for the shooting has yet to be disclosed.
