An American Airlines passenger forced a Dallas-bound flight to land in a different city because of his “violent” and dangerous behavior, including repeated attempts to open the plane’s doors and his assault on a flight attendant, federal prosecutors said.
The flight crew and passengers had to restrain Eric Nicholas Gapco’s hands and feet with flexible restraints until the flight from Seattle landed in Salt Lake City on July 18, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
Gapco, 26, of Delanco, New Jersey, was arrested when the flight landed, according to prosecutors.
Gapco continued “to engage in violent and erratic behavior” at the Salt Lake City International Airport, where he smashed the glass door of a holding cell, court documents say.
He denied consuming illegal drugs or prescription medication, but later told his arresting officers he ate “approximately ten marijuana edibles,” according to a motion for his detention.
Gapco said he didn’t know how much THC, a psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, was in each edible, the motion says.
Gapco was indicted July 31 on charges of interference with a flight crew and attempted damage to an aircraft, the U.S. Attorney’s office said in a news release.
His federal public defender didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on Aug. 1.
On the July 18 flight, prosecutors said Gapco wouldn’t stay in his seat, tried to take a flight attendant’s seat, “propositioned a flight attendant for sex,” was loud, yelling, vaping and disrupting others.
He also locked himself in a plane bathroom, went on to try to open the flight’s doors and is accused of trying to hand another passenger a bag of pills, according to prosecutors.
Gapco “assaulted and intimated a flight attendant and aircraft crew members,” prosecutors said.
American Airlines didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on Aug. 1.
After Gapco broke a glass door at the Salt Lake City airport following his arrest, Gapco was taken to a hospital to be medically evaluated, according to prosecutors.
“He continued to be belligerent” and “combative with medical staff and the police,” prosecutors wrote in the motion for his detention. “At one point, he spat on an officer.”
Galco’s temporary detention was granted on July 23, court records show.
He is due to appear for his initial appearance in court the afternoon of Aug. 1, prosecutors said.
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Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
