Posted on 12/10/2005 5:03:13 PM PST by WatchingInAmazement
A suspect is in federal custody after passengers say he threatened an infant and tried to charge the cockpit of an airplane en route to Honolulu. No air marshal was aboard, but seven passengers tackled and subdued him.
Passengers say the man's strange behavior started just a couple hours after Northwest Flight 91 took off from Los Angeles.
"He came up to first class several times, and at one point he really startled me... He came up to my left shoulder, and he got right in my face and he said something in Spanish -- he said something about medicine, like 'I need medicine,'" said passenger Linda Deckard from California.
She says the man even gestured threats toward a baby with a cell phone cord, and couldn't sit still. But thanks to one father's planning, a group of passengers are heroes to nearly 200 people on the flight.
"We got the word around first class that if he makes a move for the cockpit door, he's going down," said passenger Mike Deckard. "And that's just what happened. He made a move for the cockpit door and we were on top of him."
He and six others bound the suspect's hands and feet with a belt and cords from an on-board restraint pack.
"I think he's a hero," says Michael Deckard, age 13, about his dad. "I think he did a good job. Obviously he's watching a little bit of football with that tackle. Go dad!"
"If anybody's wants to try something, remember - there are 200 other people on the aircraft who are gonna stop you," Mike Deckard said.
The suspect is a 37-year-old Mexican national. He bit one man who helped tackle him -- a Honolulu Marathon runner who had to get a tetanus shot when they landed.
Passengers were questioned for a couple of hours after landing. The suspect is being held at the federal detention center.
And from now on I'm carrying me some scissors.
Thank you. Nothing new about good Americans being the first line of defense. Even though many despise the means.
Uhhhh....don't you think the death penalty for peeing on a drink cart just a wee bit severe....
"No air marshal was aboard, but seven passengers tackled and subdued him."
No more passivity in the passenger section!!
Hieroglyphics??
I think I know what's going on here. These bankrupt airlines are recycling the plane "water" thus driving some of the passengers nuts enough to attemp an "atta" momment.
Now can I get me a Today Show interview?
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Only if it is your first flight, you are missing several front teeth, and have been rejected by Maury and Jerry.
I read it that way to. Not everyone on an airliner has to be an american citizen. Just like on a cruise ship. Not everyone has to be an american citizen. Not everyone going from LA to Hawaii needs to be an american citizen.
I think the author is playing on the mexicanism here. The author conveniently mentions Mexican National and Speaking Spanish. Notice how a lot of posts gravitate to that?
KUDOS to the passengers!!!!!!!!!!! The tacklers should get free tickets or at least a refund on their ticket price paid.
Sure. Whizzing on the drink cart should only get a scolding. On YOUR flight. Today, if an individual becomes antsy on a flight that I am on; they are subject to the 30,000 foot rule. The death penalty should not be administered under the purveyance of some federal agent. Fortunately, cool minds prevail most of the time. Do not let me rain on an oppressive parade that is run by government functionaries.
Did the man have the cell phone cord or did the baby? Who would give a baby a cord to play with? Just wondering after this poorly worded sntence!
Heard about it on my local FOX-TV affiliate.
Good idea. I'm usually so ticked off about all the security lines and delays, I DARE anyone to pis@ me off even more on the plane!ha.
So sue me!
For what? Being reasonable and smart, a crime no doubt. I haven't flown for several years but if I do, I hope you or someone like you is on my flight.
I believe I would count any guy with a mohawk haircut, as FRIEND....
Semper Fi
Not to worry....
I'm sure that when/if you do fly --- you'll notice LOTS of men on the airplanes that are "clued in" and motivated to make a stand -- rather than being led to their death like sheep...
That game won't play anymore......
Semper Fi
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