Unruly Passenger Causes Flight Diversion and Chaos
A flight from Norfolk International Airport to Los Angeles took an unexpected turn when a passenger became agitated, yelled racist slurs, and disrupted the cabin. The incident led to the plane being diverted to Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado, where the individual was removed from the aircraft. While details of the event remain under investigation, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the nature of the passenger’s actions.
According to initial accounts, the passenger reportedly assaulted others on the plane. However, the Grand Junction Police Department stated that no one was struck and there were no injuries reported. Later, Breeze Airways released a statement confirming that a physical altercation occurred between the passenger and crew members, resulting in minor injuries to a flight attendant and a passenger.
“Breeze flight MX704 with service from Norfolk, Va. (ORF) to Los Angeles (LAX) diverted to Grand Junction, Co. (GJT) after a passenger onboard initiated a physical altercation with other Guests and Flight Attendants. The plane was met promptly by local law enforcement officers, who restrained and removed the passenger from the aircraft. One Flight Attendant and one Guest were evaluated for minor injuries. Our focus now is on taking care of our Crew and remaining Guests who have been unfairly inconvenienced by this unfortunate event and getting them safely to their final destination as quickly as possible.”
The individual involved in the incident, identified as David Leroy Carter Jr., 46, of Los Angeles, was arrested by FBI officials. The investigation is ongoing, with further information expected from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Colorado or the federal court.
Details of the Incident
When the aircraft arrived at Grand Junction, law enforcement officers boarded the plane to apprehend the unruly passenger. According to Dylan Heberlein, director of operations for the Grand Junction Airport Authority, the man was intoxicated and became agitated, yelling racist slurs at airline staff while waving a skateboard. The passenger was allegedly restrained twice but broke free each time, continuing to wave an object around.
Heberlein explained that when dealing with an unruly passenger, the flight crew must make an immediate landing to address the situation. In this case, the decision to divert the flight to Grand Junction was necessary to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.
The man was taken into custody and transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility upon landing. The flight, originally scheduled to depart from Norfolk International Airport at 9:17 a.m., was diverted to Grand Junction, landing there at 11:36 a.m. local time. After the unscheduled stop, the plane did not reach Los Angeles International Airport until 7:16 p.m., nearly 13 hours after its original departure.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers were stranded at the Grand Junction Regional Airport for over four hours while waiting for another plane to take them to their final destination. Some travelers shared their experiences, noting that Breeze Airways provided a $20 voucher for food and drinks at the airport, along with pizza while they waited.
“We have amenities here, we have a restaurant, we have restrooms, all those types of things, so people can kind of come in and decompress a little bit,” Heberlein said.
The Grand Junction Fire Department also responded to the incident. A video shared by a WAVY viewer showed the suspect being escorted off the plane, with officials instructing him to put down a skateboard. Passengers could be heard cheering as the man was taken away.
Ongoing Investigation
According to the Grand Junction Police Department, any new information or charges related to the incident will be released by the FBI. Updates on the case are expected to follow as the investigation continues.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the affected passengers and ensuring they reach their destinations safely. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges airlines face in managing disruptive behavior and the importance of swift action to maintain safety and order on board.
