Mid-Air Chaos: NJ Man Accused of Door Tampering, Attendant Harassment, and Vaping inside Flight

A man from New Jersey has been indicted by a federal grand jury following allegations from both crew members and passengers on an American Airlines flight. They claim that he attempted to open the plane doors during the flight.

A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office detailed a series of disruptive behaviors exhibited by 26-year-old Eric Gapco of Delanco during a flight. These behaviors included not following instructions to stay seated, making inappropriate advances toward a flight attendant, being consistently loud, vaping, disturbing fellow passengers, locking himself in the lavatory, and attempting to open the aircraft doors while the flight was in progress.

Gapco was a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Seattle to Dallas on Thursday, July 18.

According to local Utah outlet KSL-TV, videos taken during the flight reportedly show Gapco shouting random statements to the rest of the flight’s passengers, such as “I am sane” and “I do not want to hurt myself.”

“During the flight, Gapco was restrained by flight crew members and other passengers using flexible restraints on his feet and hands,” the office stated.

After some time, the flight was redirected to Salt Lake City International Airport. Video footage of the incident, obtained by CBS News and KSL-TV, reveals Gapco being escorted off the plane by Utah law enforcement. He is seen shirtless with bright yellow restraints around his ankles and wrists.

Amidst the chaos, his desperate plea for medical attention echoes through the air, while law enforcement officers struggle to subdue him. Videos also capture Gapco enthusiastically exclaiming “You say potato, I say po-tah-to” and proudly announcing his name as he confidently strolls down the aisle of the plane alongside officers.

According to court documents obtained by KSL-TV, the individual informed the Utah officers who apprehended him that he had consumed approximately 10 cannabis edibles. He also mentioned that he was uncertain about the THC milligram content of each of the edibles.

CBS News reported that the documents claim he exhibited violent and erratic behavior even after being arrested upon landing in Salt Lake City.

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah, Trina A. Higgins, stated in a press release that Gapco is facing charges related to interfering with a flight crew and attempting to damage an aircraft within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

Local arrest records reveal that Utah officials have leveled multiple accusations against Gapco, including the alleged act of propelling a substance at an officer, causing damage to a jail or other place of confinement, engaging in disorderly conduct, and more.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the investigation is being conducted collaboratively by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and Salt Lake City Police Department.

As stated in the press release, Gapco was scheduled to appear in court for the indictment on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the U.S. District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.

Source: PEOPLE

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