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Plane Hijacker Arrested After Southern California Flight

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Christian Estoque, 38, hijacked a plane in Washington state and flew to Southern California.
Authorities arrested Christian Estoque on January 27 at Corona Municipal Airport for operating an unregistered aircraft.
Estoque and his girlfriend allegedly stole the plane from Auburn Municipal Airport on January 3 and tampered with its transponder.
The FBI recovered the aircraft three days later.
Estoque made his initial court appearance and was released on bond.

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Story summary

Christian Estoque, 38, hijacked a plane in Washington state and flew to Southern California.
Authorities arrested Christian Estoque on January 27 at Corona Municipal Airport for operating an unregistered aircraft.
Estoque and his girlfriend allegedly stole the plane from Auburn Municipal Airport on January 3 and tampered with its transponder.
The FBI recovered the aircraft three days later.
Estoque made his initial court appearance and was released on bond.