Key facts
- Juan Gabriel Reyes, 51, faces federal charges of interference with flight crew and assault.
- Reyes allegedly attempted to open aircraft exit doors mid-flight.
- He also allegedly attacked an off-duty flight attendant.
- Passengers and another flight attendant restrained Reyes.
- The Frontier Airlines flight diverted to Miami.
- Reyes faces up to 20 years for interference and 1 year for assault.
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.