BOSTON (WPRI) — A Massachusetts man who was found guilty ofinterfering with an emergency exit during a long-distance flightPrior to attempting to stab an employee, the individual had been released from prison, as stated by United States Attorney Leah Foley.

Francisco Severo Torres, 35, from Leominster, received a sentence on Tuesday that included time already served—around 26 months—plus five years of probation.

Foley stated that Torres is not allowed to board a commercial flight until after he has finished his sentence.

Torres admitted guilt in Mayto interfere with and attempt to interfere against flight crew members and attendants by utilizing a hazardous weapon.

He was arrested in March 2023 at Boston Logan International Airport right after disembarking from a United Airlines flight that originated in Los Angeles.

Foley mentioned that about 45 minutes before the plane landed, the cockpit received a warning indicating that one of the side doors had been disarmed.

After examining the situation, prosecutors stated that a flight attendant observed the door’s locking mechanism had been shifted from the fully secured position, and the emergency slide’s deployment system had been turned off.

The flight attendant relocked the door and informed the cockpit that it seemed to have been tampered with, as reported by Foley.

Prosecutors stated that a different flight attendant observed Torres near the entrance just prior to the cockpit receiving the alert.

When a flight attendant addressed Torres regarding the issue, he reportedly inquired if there were cameras on the aircraft that could confirm his actions.

WATCH:A man attempts to stab a flight attendant and opens the plane’s door.Story continues below.)

Foley stated that the flight attendant subsequently informed the cockpit that Torres presented a danger to the aircraft, and the captain had to land immediately.

Soon afterward, prosecutors stated that Torres left his seat and approached the emergency door where two flight attendants were positioned in the aisle. Torres then moved toward one of the attendants using a broken metal spoon, as reported by Foley.

According to prosecutors, Torres did not actually stab the employee, but instead struck their neck three times with an improvised weapon.

In a video captured by another traveler, Torres could be heardrambling incoherentlyand warning of killing all the men on the aircraft.

Foley said passengers immediately tackled Torresand held him back with the help of other flight attendants.

Passengers on the flight later informed detectives that Torres inquired about the location of the door handle on the safety card before takeoff, and that he was observed walking back and forth just before attacking the crew member.

Torres was initially considered incapable of standing trialand had been receiving mental health care while incarcerated. He will need to keep getting mental health treatment during his supervised release.

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