A passenger on a Frontier Airlines flight was charged with interference with flight crew and assault after allegedly attempting to open exit doors mid-flight and attacking an off-duty flight attendant. Other passengers and crew restrained the man, and the flight diverted to Miami.
Federal officials have charged Juan Gabriel Reyes, 51, of Chicago, with interference with flight crew members and attendants, and assault, following an incident on Frontier Airlines Flight 3345 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Chicago. The flight was forced to divert to Miami, Florida, after Reyes allegedly became disruptive approximately 45 minutes after takeoff. According to court documents, Reyes attempted to open the aircraft's exit doors mid-flight and assaulted a 33-year-old off-duty flight attendant who was seated nearby. Witnesses reported that Reyes grabbed the flight attendant by the head and choked him. Passengers and another flight attendant intervened, restraining Reyes with flex cuffs and seatbelt extenders, though he reportedly broke free multiple times. Passenger Josh Longood, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter, was instrumental in helping to contain Reyes. The flight ultimately landed safely in Miami. If convicted, Reyes faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the interference charge and up to one year for the assault charge.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges airlines face with passenger disruptions and the potential dangers posed to crew and other passengers, leading to flight diversions and serious legal consequences.