A Connecticut man has pleaded guilty in a New York court to stealing a Cessna 172 while drunk.
Philippe Patricio, 21, pleaded guilty to charges of reckless endangerment, unauthorized use of a vehicle, flying while intoxicated and resisting arrest, in exchange for an agreement that he will receive less than one year in jail.
Patricio, who has been in a New York jail since his arrest in June, still faces charges in Connecticut — where his joy ride began — including one felony charge of circumventing airport security and eight misdemeanor charges ranging from careless flying to unlawful use of an aircraft.
Patricio and two teenage friends were arrested June 22 at Westchester County Airport, where he landed after getting lost on the way from Danbury, Conn., to New Haven. When he was arrested, his blood alcohol level was .15.