Overview
- About 45 minutes after takeoff from San Juan, a 51-year-old passenger became disruptive and tried to open a cabin emergency exit then pressed against the cockpit door.
- Crew members moved him back to his seat but the situation escalated when the passenger later grabbed and strangled a flight attendant.
- Several passengers and flight crew restrained the man using plastic zip ties and seat-belt extenders while he reportedly freed himself multiple times.
- Pilots diverted the flight to Miami where local officers arrested the passenger and the FBI later assumed the investigation.
- Federal prosecutors have reported charges for interfering with flight crew and assault, and the aircraft resumed its Chicago flight several hours after authorities removed the suspect.