Dallas, August 2: A man in US’ New Jersey, Eric Nicholas Gapco, 26, from Delanco, was arrested after causing chaos on an American Airlines flight from Seattle to Dallas on July 18. Gapco's disruptive actions forced an emergency landing in Utah, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
US Attorney Office said that Gapco, who had consumed an excessive amount of marijuana edibles before the flight, began acting unruly shortly after takeoff. He propositioned a female flight attendant for sex and made multiple attempts to open the plane's doors mid-flight. The situation escalated when Gapco removed his shirt, inhaled from a vape pen, and cursed while hitting on the crew member. He also allegedly assaulted another flight attendant. United Airlines’ Boeing Plane Loses Wheel While Taking Off From Los Angeles Airport With 174 Passengers, Lands Safely in Denver (Watch Video).
Chaotic footage captured Gapco bare-chested and shouting, "I am sane!" as flight crew members tried to calm him near the plane's lavatory. A second video showed passengers helping the crew restrain Gapco, tying his hands and feet and seating him in the rear of the plane. Chaos Erupt in US Flight: Man Puts Flight Attendant in Chokehold, Threatens to ‘Cut Her Head Off’ Infront of Terrified Passengers, Held.
The plane made an emergency landing at Salt Lake City International Airport around 11 a.m. local time, where Gapco was arrested. According to a criminal complaint, Gapco's actions included failing to follow crew instructions, using a vape pen onboard, locking himself in the lavatory, screaming, and attempting to open the aircraft's exterior doors.
A federal grand jury has indicted Gapco on charges of interfering with a flight crew and attempting to harm an aircraft under the United States' special aircraft jurisdiction. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2024 02:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).