A Breeze Airways flight headed to Los Angeles diverted to Colorado after a passenger became aggressive, with law enforcement removing the individual upon landing.
NORFOLK, Va. — A Breeze Airways flight from Norfolk to Los Angeles made an emergency diversion to Colorado on Wednesday after a passenger became physically aggressive with crew members and fellow travelers, officials said.
According to the airline, the altercation broke out mid-flight, prompting the crew to divert Flight 704 to Grand Junction Regional Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft landed safely following reports of a “passenger disturbance.”
Air traffic control audio reveals that the man, later identified as David Leroy Carter, 46, of Los Angeles, had broken free from his restraints before the landing, with other passengers stepping in to hold him down. The pilot reported to controllers that Carter was using his waist belt as a weapon, striking others onboard.
Breeze Airways said law enforcement met the plane upon landing, restraining and removing Carter.
The Grand Junction Police Department said they responded to the Grand Junction Airport after receiving reports that an intoxicated passenger had become agitated, “yelling racist slurs at airline staff while waving a skateboard.”
The police said at no time did Carter physically assault anyone, and there were no injuries reported to them.
The FBI later said Carter was taken into custody and was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility. The FBI said charges will be provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Colorado.
Breeze Airways reported that a flight attendant and one passenger suffered minor injuries during the incident.
Air Traffic Control Audio from LIVEATC.NET:
>> Can we uh ca we confirm any medical need on the inbound route?
>> I don’t have information on injuries or anything like that but they just said multiple assault so I would assume so we uh I think dispatcher is sending uh everything
>> Confirming you said fire dispatch has been notified?
>> Up to calling it a level 4 disturbance now. They said they had him restrained he broke out and there’s passengers holding him down now.
>> The *inaudible* said that there’s information he struck a flight attendant so there should there’s injuries
>> The unruly passenger is free out of his restraints and removed his belt sign and his seat belt
>> Approach said that the passenger is free and he’s using what they are trying to restrain him with as a weapon
>> Roger hitting people with his own its waist belt right?
In a statement, Breeze Airways said:
“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.”
Breeze Airways passengers reported that Carter was being both “verbally and physically threatening to both crew and passengers,” including spitting, pushing, and putting his hands on others.
They added the flight continued on to Los Angeles on the same aircraft, but the crew was changed.
The FAA also released a statement:
“This information is preliminary and subject to change. Breeze Airways Flight 704 landed safely at Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado after the crew reported a passenger disturbance. The flight departed from Norfolk International Airport in Virginia and was heading to Los Angeles International Airport. The FAA will investigate.”