A Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Chicago O’Hare International Airport was forced to make an emergency landing at Miami International Airport due to a disruptive passenger. The incident occurred on Sunday when 51-year-old Juan Gabriel Reyes of Pahokee, Florida, caused significant disturbances on board, according to authorities.

Incident Details

Reyes reportedly attempted to open the emergency doors while the plane was in flight, expressing a desire to leave the aircraft. Despite commands from flight attendants to return to his seat, Reyes continued his disruptive behavior. He attempted to enter the pilots’ quarters, tried to urinate on the bathroom floor, and grabbed another passenger’s bag, according to the arrest report.

An off-duty Frontier flight attendant, who offered to sit in Reyes’ row to help manage the situation, was attacked by Reyes. The disruptive passenger grabbed the attendant’s head and began choking him. This prompted several passengers to intervene and restrain Reyes, as captured in cellphone video footage.

Emergency Landing and Arrest

The flight was diverted to Miami International Airport, where it landed safely around 11:55 p.m., as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Upon landing, deputies removed Reyes from the aircraft. The flight later continued its journey to Chicago after a few hours of delay.

Reyes has been charged with battery and is currently held in Miami-Dade jail on a $20,000 bond. The incident highlights the challenges airlines face in maintaining safety and order during flights, and the importance of passenger cooperation with flight crew instructions.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.