Las Vegas Sun

April 16, 2024

Man accused of trying to open airplane door faces federal charges

OMAHA, Neb. — A man removed from a California-bound Southwest Airlines flight is facing federal charges because he tried to open a door.

Prosecutors charged 23-year-old Joshua Carl Lee Suggs Monday with interfering with the crew of the Chicago-to-Sacramento flight.

The plane diverted to Omaha, Neb., Sunday, so Suggs could be removed.

The complaint against the Sacramento man says he refused to return to his seat, as instructed, before trying to open a door. The incident happened about an hour into the flight.

The passengers who helped subdue Suggs told officers his pupils were dilated and his speech was incoherent.

Suggs is expected to appear in court Wednesday. Court records did not show an attorney for him Monday.

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