Crime and Courts
Man Arrested for Threatening Flight Crew and Child with Disability on Flight from Miami to Newark
A New Jersey man, Luis Vaquero, was arrested after threatening a plane’s crew and a child with a disability, then banging on the cockpit door, while aboard a flight to Newark Airport, according to law enforcement.
Harassment and Threats on the Flight
Vaquero, 27, was taking a flight from Miami on Sunday when he started threatening and harassing fellow passengers shortly after takeoff. He made threats to physically harm a child and then mocked a group of Jewish passengers, according to prosecutors. Vaquero also threatened a flight attendant who would not serve him alcohol, saying, "You better watch out, s***’s gonna happen to you."
Incident on the Flight
The flight attendants alerted law enforcement about the man after the plane landed at Newark International Airport. Once Vaquero heard an announcement that the flight crew was waiting for police to arrive, he forced his way to the front of the aircraft and began to pound on the door to the flight deck, demanding the pilot talk to him. A flight attendant attempted to step in, but Vaquero yelled, saying he would "really break your f*****g jaw." The captain eventually left the cockpit, and Vaquero continued to threaten him while getting close to his face.
Consequences
Police arrived shortly after, and Vaquero was arrested. He faces charges including interfering with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation, prosecutors said. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Reaction from Authorities
"Vaquero lost his temper and physically harassed not only the crew and captain, but passengers, making threats of physical violence," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly. "It all culminated in a terrifying attack and attempted breach of the flight deck…The harrowing flight and other similar incidents onboard airplanes recently are creating tension and fear for fliers and crew members."
FAQs
- What happened on the flight?
Luis Vaquero, a 27-year-old man, threatened and harassed fellow passengers, including a child with a disability, and forced his way to the front of the aircraft to pound on the cockpit door. - What were the consequences of his actions?
Vaquero was arrested and faces charges including interfering with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. - What is being done to address similar incidents?
Authorities are working to address the increasing number of incidents onboard airplanes, which are creating tension and fear for fliers and crew members.
