A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was forced to divert to Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday night after a passenger disturbance.
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The airline said an "unruly passenger" created a security concern during the flight.
According to CNN, the passenger allegedly made "multiple attempts to try to breach the cockpit" before being restrained by law enforcement officers who were on board the aircraft.
United Airlines Passenger Detained After Mid-Flight Disturbance
The aircraft diverted to Madison following the incident, where local authorities took the passenger into custody.
Officials have not released the individual's identity or confirmed whether any charges have been filed.
Passenger Mike Rundle described the scene to CNN.
He said he "saw the man at the front of the plane near the cockpit, in their words, kind of reach for a flight attendant, and subsequently had multiple guys hold him back."
According to reports, crew members and onboard law enforcement officers quickly gained control of the situation.
The passenger was reportedly "flanked" by law enforcement as the aircraft turned around and headed for Madison.
Once the plane landed, additional officers boarded the aircraft and removed the individual.
Flight Lands Safely After Passenger Restrained
Rundle said police entered the aircraft, handcuffed the man, and escorted him away.
He also revealed that the passenger had caused concern before the flight even departed.
According to Rundle, the man stood up during taxiing at O'Hare International Airport and repeatedly ignored requests from crew members to remain seated. Crew members reportedly asked whether anyone on board could speak Russian in an effort to communicate with the passenger.
Eventually, the man sat down, and the flight, carrying 147 passengers and six crew members, departed as scheduled.
The situation escalated again mid-flight, ultimately prompting the diversion. After authorities detained the passenger, the aircraft landed safely in Madison at approximately 9:30 PM. No injuries were reported.
According to flight-tracking data from FlightAware, cited by TMZ, the aircraft had been in the air for roughly 45 minutes before the incident unfolded.
United Airlines said the flight was expected to continue to Minneapolis later that evening despite the disruption.
The Federal Aviation Administration told CNN that it investigates "all passenger-disturbance incidents."
The agency added that it pursues enforcement action "against any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates, or interferes with airline crewmembers, and can propose civil penalties up to $43,658 per violation."
