MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — A Chicago man is facing federal charges after authorities say a commercial flight had to be rerouted to Miami when he allegedly tried to open aircraft doors in mid-air and assaulted another passenger.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that Juan Gabriel Reyes, 51, appeared in federal court in South Florida after the incident on a flight traveling from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Chicago, according to prosecutors.
Court records say Reyes began acting disruptively during the flight and repeatedly ignored instructions from flight attendants. At one point, investigators allege he tried to open an emergency exit door and later attempted to access the flight deck door while the plane was still in the air.
The situation escalated further when Reyes allegedly assaulted another passenger, prompting fellow travelers and crew members to step in. Together, they were able to restrain him until the plane could safely divert to Miami International Airport, where law enforcement officers were waiting.
Authorities have not detailed any injuries, but officials emphasized that attempts to tamper with aircraft doors mid-flight pose serious safety risks.
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Reyes is now charged with interfering with flight crew members and attendants, as well as assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison on the interference charge and up to one year on the assault charge, according to the DOJ.
The FBI’s Miami Field Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Olinghouse is handling the case.