A United Airlines flight UA2609 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) was disrupted on Sunday, March 5, when a passenger attempted to open the aircraft door mid-flight. The Massachusetts male passenger, Francisco Severo Torres, who had tampered with the door with a broken spoon, was then seen trying to stab a flight attendant. Fortunately, other passengers intervened and managed to tackle Torres to the ground.
Forty-five minutes before landing in Boston, an alarm went off that the starboard side door had been disarmed between first class and economy. Upon inspection, flight attendants noted that the door locking handle had been moved to the unlocked position. It was also discovered that the emergency slide had been moved to the disarmed position. Torres was believed to have been near the door and was approached by the crew to be questioned. The situation escalated when Torres exited his seat and tried to attack a flight attendant, who managed to escape with minor injuries.
Fines up to $250,000
As other passengers witnessed the situation unfold, Torres was tackled to the ground and restrained by other passengers and crew. He was arrested when the aircraft landed in Boston and made an initial appearance at the US District Court. Torres faces charges of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon, which could lead to a sentence of up to life in prison, supervised release of up to five years, and fines of up to $250,000.
In a statement, United Airlines praised the quick actions of the crew and customers in restraining the unruly passenger. The airline also stated that it has “zero tolerance for any type of violence on our flights” and that the passenger will be banned from flying on United pending an investigation. United Airlines is cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.
The incident highlights the importance of being vigilant during air travel and the need for passengers to report any suspicious behavior to the crew. Despite the incident, the flight landed safely, and no serious injuries were reported.
Source: Simple Flying
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