Miami, United States: A Frontier Airlines flight bound for Chicago was forced to divert to Miami after a passenger allegedly attempted to open an emergency exit door, tried to access the cockpit area, assaulted an off-duty flight attendant, and repeatedly disrupted the flight, according to law enforcement authorities and court documents.
The incident occurred aboard Frontier Airlines Flight 3345, which departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was en route to Chicago O’Hare International Airport on May 31. Authorities identified the passenger as Juan Gabriel Reyes, 51, of Pahokee, Florida.
According to an arrest report cited by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office investigators, Reyes began causing disturbances approximately 45 minutes after takeoff. Authorities said he attempted to open one of the aircraft’s emergency exit doors while the Airbus was in flight, reportedly telling crew members that he wanted to leave the aircraft.
Flight attendants intervened and instructed Reyes to return to his seat. However, investigators said he ignored repeated crew commands and continued behaving erratically.
The arrest affidavit states that Reyes then moved toward the front of the aircraft and allegedly attempted to gain access to the cockpit area by aggressively pushing against the flight deck door with his shoulder.
After crew members escorted him away from the cockpit area, Reyes requested permission to use the lavatory. Authorities said he was allowed to do so but allegedly attempted to urinate on the restroom floor, creating another disturbance onboard.
Due to his continued disruptive behavior, flight attendants relocated Reyes to another seat. An off-duty Frontier Airlines flight attendant volunteered to sit nearby and assist in monitoring him during the remainder of the flight.
According to investigators, the off-duty employee later left his seat and placed his bag nearby before heading toward the lavatory. Another passenger reportedly alerted him that Reyes was attempting to take the bag. When the employee confronted Reyes, authorities allege that Reyes grabbed him and placed him in a chokehold, prompting an immediate response from passengers and crew members.
Video recorded by passengers and widely circulated on social media showed multiple travelers and flight attendants struggling to restrain Reyes as chaos unfolded inside the cabin.
Among those who intervened was Josh Longood, a former professional mixed martial arts fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Longood assisted crew members and passengers in subduing Reyes and securing him using flex cuffs, zip ties, and seatbelt extenders.
Court documents indicate that Reyes managed to break free from restraints multiple times, requiring passengers and crew to continue physically holding him down until the aircraft landed.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the flight crew reported a passenger disturbance and diverted the aircraft to Miami International Airport as a precaution.
Flight 3345 landed safely at approximately 11:55 a.m. local time in Miami, where Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies boarded the aircraft and removed Reyes from the plane.
Authorities initially charged Reyes with battery in connection with the alleged assault on the off-duty flight attendant. He was booked into the Miami-Dade jail and held on a reported $20,000 bond.
According to court records cited by the Miami Herald, Reyes was later turned over to FBI agents for potential federal prosecution. Investigators indicated he could face additional federal charges, including interference with a flight crew and assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction.
No injuries requiring hospitalization were reported among passengers or crew.
Frontier Airlines confirmed that law enforcement officers met the aircraft upon arrival in Miami and removed the disruptive passenger. Following the incident, the flight later resumed its journey to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The FAA said it is aware of the incident and the investigation remains ongoing.
