A Chicago man, Juan Gabriel Reyes, 51, faces federal charges after allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit door and the flight deck door during a commercial flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Chicago, Illinois. The disruptive behavior forced the aircraft to divert to Miami, where Reyes was subsequently arrested.
According to court records, Reyes reportedly became disruptive mid-flight and repeatedly ignored instructions from flight attendants. He is accused of attempting to open both an emergency exit door and the flight deck door while the plane was in the air. Following these attempts, Reyes allegedly assaulted another passenger before crew members and other travelers managed to restrain him.
Reyes has been charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction, punishable by up to one year. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the charges.
The FBI Miami Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Olinghouse is prosecuting the case.