Particle.news
Download on the App Store

United Flight Declares Emergency at Newark After Passenger Attacks Crew and Tries to Enter Cockpit

The FAA opened an investigation, signaling potential fines or federal charges under laws that protect flight crews.

Overview

  • United Flight 1837, which landed Saturday at Newark from Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, declared an onboard emergency after a man allegedly attacked a flight attendant.
  • Air traffic control audio captured the crew requesting emergency vehicles and police to meet the aircraft on arrival.
  • Port Authority Police detained a 48-year-old passenger at the gate and transported him to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
  • United said law enforcement met the aircraft and praised the crew’s response, while officials reported no other injuries after one person declined treatment.
  • The FAA said it will investigate, and the passenger could face federal charges or civil fines under statutes that bar assault or interference with flight crews, a focus that has sharpened as nearly 500 unruly passenger reports have been filed this year.