A Delta connection flight headed from Omaha to Detroit was diverted Thursday to Cedar Rapids after a male passenger reportedly attempted to open an exit row door in mid-air.
The incident allegedly occurred when the plane was through roughly a third of its flight, according to Click On Detroit. Both passengers and the crew intervened to stop the alleged perpetrator and police arrested him when the plane landed. CBS News identified the suspect as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj. The flight, identified as Flight 3612, operated as a Delta connection flight by SkyWest Airlines.
The incident was related to a purported altercation between a flight attendant and the passenger, CNN reported. The pilot of the flight told the tower at Cedar Rapids’ Eastern Iowa Airport that the passenger was “in a fight with our flight attendant right now, trying to open the emergency exit,” according to audio from LiveATC.net. The plan safely touched down and taxied to its assigned gate.
Another passenger shared a video on social media appearing to show law enforcement removing someone from the aircraft, the outlet reported. The suspect could be seen wearing a white shirt and handcuffs, according to the New York Post.
SkyWest Airlines reacted to the incident in a statement. “SkyWest has zero tolerance for unruly behavior as safety for our customers and crew is our top priority,” the airline said.
Nikprelaj faces multiple charges, including disorderly conduct, assault and harassment, according to a Cedar Rapids Police Department press release. (RELATED: United Airlines Plane Diverts Mid-Flight After Pilot Leaves Passport Behind)
The Daily Caller has contacted SkyWest Airlines for comment regarding the incident.