A plane was forced to delay its descent after a Butler man took a joy ride in his car on the county airport runway on Valentine’s Day.

The night resulted in felony-level accusations against Mario Galietti, 53.

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, Penn Township police charged Galietti with felonies aggravated assault and risking catastrophe, misdemeanors driving under the influence, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct engaged in fighting, and summaries trespassing and harassment.

Police said they responded to the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport on Feb. 14 for a report of a vehicle driving on the runway. Upon arrival, flight staff helped officers locate the disoriented driver, later identified as Galietti.

Surveillance footage showed that Galietti was on the property for more than 27 minutes, with nearly 12 minutes on the runway.

During those 12 minutes, a plane was planning to land. Police said flight staff alerted the pilot, who circled the airport until it was safe to descend.

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