OKLAHOMA CITY — A Delta flight from Los Angeles to Atlanta was diverted in Oklahoma on Friday after an unruly passenger, who works for the airline, made terror threats and attacked two flight attendants, investigators said.
Oklahoma City police said the passenger, Stephon Jamar Duncan, 34, an off-duty Delta employee, was taken into custody when Delta Flight 1730 landed after he threatened to “take down the plane” and assaulted two flight attendants, KABC reported.
Several passengers and an off-duty pilot helped subdue Duncan until the plane landed and authorities took him into custody. Duncan was taken to a hospital after “exhibiting signs of mental health issues” and indicating he was having chest pains.
The FBI is expected to question Duncan, who is expected to be charged with two counts of assault and battery.
The plane was inspected and cleared to continue on its flight to Atlanta shortly later, WSB-TV reported.
“Thanks to the crew and passengers of Delta Flight 1730 (LAX to ATL) who assisted in detaining an unruly passenger,” Delta told WSB-TV in a statement. “We apologize to our customers for the delay and any additional inconvenience this caused.”
This is the third time a passenger on a Delta flight from Los Angeles has forced a landing in the past two weeks.
>> Passenger tries to breach cockpit of Delta flight to Nashville
Delta Flight 1131 to New York was diverted to Detroit Friday morning because of a “customer issue,” WJBK reported. Last Friday, Delta Flight 386 to Nashville was forced to land in Albuquerque shortly after takeoff when a passenger tried to force his way into the cockpit.
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