Feds Indict Airline Passenger for Propositioning Flight Attendant for Sex and Attempting to Open Aircraft Door
A federal grand jury has indicted an “unruly” airline passenger after he allegedly propositioned a flight attendant for sex and attempted to open the aircraft’s exterior doors. The man attributed his outburst to consuming an excessive number of marijuana edibles, the strength of which was unknown to him.
Eric Nicholas Gapco, 26, of Delanco, NJ, is charged with “interference with a flight crew and attempted damage to an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States” stemming from the July 18 incident, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.
Incident Details
Gapco was traveling from Seattle, WA to Dallas, TX on American Airlines Flight 2101 when the incident occurred. According to the statement, “Gapco failed to follow instructions to remain in his seat, propositioned a flight attendant for sex, was repeatedly loud, vaped, bothered other passengers, locked himself in the lavatory, and attempted to open the aircraft exterior doors multiple times while the aircraft was in flight.”
The New York Post reported that Gapco removed his shirt and produced a vape, which he enthusiastically puffed on in the cabin. Another passenger claimed that Gapco tried to give them a bag of loose, unidentified pills.
Video Evidence and Emergency Landing
KSLTV obtained three separate videos showing the events as they unfolded. In the first video, Gapco is heard saying, “I am sane,” and “I do not want to hurt myself.” After he refused to return to his assigned seat, the flight crew was forced to tie his hands and feet. One of the videos shows passengers assisting flight attendants, with Gapco asking one of the videographers, “Hey, did you record that?”
Gapco’s disruptive behavior forced the plane to make an emergency landing in Salt Lake City. A third video shows Salt Lake City police officers boarding the plane and urging an uncooperative Gapco to leave with them. “I have clots in my legs, I need hospitalization,” Gapco screams in the footage. “I need to go to a hospital!”
Eventually, he complied and left the plane with the officers. As he was led down the aisle, Gapco sang, “You say potato, I say potahto,” and made several other unintelligible statements.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
According to court documents reviewed by the New York Post, Gapco “continued to be belligerent” and was “combative with medical staff and police” after leaving the plane. He allegedly smashed a glass door and spat at one of the officers.
The FBI and the Salt Lake City Police Department are jointly investigating the incident.
Gapco faces serious charges, including interference with a flight crew and attempted damage to an aircraft, which carry significant penalties. The incident highlights the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights and the importance of maintaining order and safety on board.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, mensjournal.com