The FBI arrested a male passenger after he reportedly opened the door of a JetBlue plane while it was moving on the runway. The incident happened at Boston’s Logan International Airport.
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Details About The JetBlue Passenger Who Opened The Flight Door
NBC News reports that an unidentified passenger opened the emergency exit door and activated the slide. According to AP News, Massachusetts State Police spokesperson Tim McGuirk stated that officers responded to the alert at 7:30 p.m. local time. In addition, McGuirk noted that the door was opened suddenly and without warning before takeoff.
Furthermore, the incident happened on a flight heading to San Juan, Puerto Rico on Dec. 7. CBS News reports that witnesses revealed that the unidentified male had been arguing with his girlfriend, leading him to open the aircraft’s emergency door and causing a delay in the flight.
Passenger Fred Wyn, who was onboard, told WCVB-TV that the couple appeared to be arguing over a phone. Passengers quickly panicked and begged him to stop. However, police eventually arrived and removed him from the plane.
“I guess the boyfriend wanted to see the girlfriend’s phone, and she wouldn’t let him see. Boyfriend got mad, got up walked down the center aisle, grabbed the emergency door, ripped it off, completely off. FBI agent tackled him, handcuffed him,” Wyn explained.
JetBlue confirmed to PEOPLE that after the incident, the flight was moved to another aircraft. The plane safely landed in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
More Info About The Passenger & What’s Next For Him?
PEOPLE states that the JetBlue passenger is facing charges. Furthermore, he was arraigned in the East Boston division of Boston Municipal Court on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Massachusetts State Police have revealed that the passenger’s identity will remain withheld until charges are finalized. They also mentioned that they do not believe the incident poses a threat to safety.
“Preliminary information indicates this is an isolated incident and we do not believe this incident poses a threat to public safety,” Massachusetts State Police said in a statement.
