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Retired Police Chief and Deputies Subdue Unruly Passenger on United Airlines Flight
Just the facts
The incident occurred aboard a Boeing 737-900 carrying 174 passengers and six crew members after flight attendants cut off alcohol service to the passenger. Following nearly 45 minutes of verbal hostility and an attempt to lunge at crew members, O'Hara and the two off-duty deputies physically restrained the individual using plastic flex cuffs. The crew secured the passenger in a seat until the aircraft landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where local law enforcement officers met the plane. Broward Sheriff's Office deputies took the individual into custody upon arrival.
Why this is news
Passengers and off-duty law enforcement officers intervened during a midair disturbance aboard United Airlines Flight 1364 traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Retired Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara and two off-duty Bergen County sheriff's deputies restrained an unruly passenger following a physical altercation.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.