Photo: KENA BETANCUR / AFP / Getty Images
Two New Jersey residents are being praised for their quick actions in helping to subdue an unruly passenger on an American Airlines flight to Newark on Thursday night (September 3). Former Weehawken police officer Juan Mejia and Woodland Park gun range owner Richard O'Lenick assisted flight attendants in restraining a 67-year-old Arizona realtor who was accused of punching and attempting to bite other passengers.
According to 7News, the incident occurred on American Airlines Flight 618, which had departed from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and was en route to Newark Liberty International Airport. The flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) after the disturbance.
O'Lenick reported to NJ.com that they managed to stop the man from hitting others until flight attendants arrived with duct tape to restrain him. The man was held for approximately 20 minutes before the plane landed safely in Maryland, where police took him into custody. The flight resumed its journey to Newark about two hours later.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, and the man faces state charges in Maryland. The FBI is also conducting interviews to determine if federal charges should be filed. American Airlines emphasized their commitment to the safety and security of their passengers and crew, thanking them for their professionalism and understanding during the incident.