Business
Anderson declared competent to be tried for plane hijacking attempt at La Crosse Airport
The driver accused of crashing a car through a gate at the La Crosse Regional Airport in November, and threatening to hijack a plane, has been found competent to stand trial.
Cody Anderson entered a not guilty plea Monday to charges of attempted hijacking and making threats.
The incident happened Nov. 11, near the Colgan Air Services building at the airport.
Company staffer Kelly Colgan spoke in court, supporting a $500,000 cash bond for Anderson.
“I know my employees and our customers and myself, we definitely fear for our safety, knowing he was released,” Colgan said, “and even with restraints on how close he can get to our building, it still is very worrisome.”
Judge Scott Horne said the bond was reasonable and turned down a defense request to reduce it.
Anderson got onto a plane after ramming his car through an airport gate.
The judge has ordered an evaluation of Anderson during the next month with a hearing scheduled for Jan. 22.