Updated

Updated · Fox News · Aug 7

Retired Police Chief Brian O'Hara Helps Restrain Passenger on United Flight 1364 With 2 Deputies

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Aug 7

Retired Police Chief Brian O'Hara Helps Restrain Passenger on United Flight 1364 With 2 Deputies

Q: What severe federal penalties might this unruly passenger face after forcing off-duty officers to restrain him mid-flight?

He could face substantial federal sanctions even if the local charge remains relatively minor. In unruly-passenger cases, the FAA can pursue civil penalties of up to about $37,000 per violation, and disruptive conduct on a flight can trigger multiple violations, pushing total fines much higher. If investigators find he interfered with the duties of the flight crew, the case could also move beyond FAA fines. Interference with flight attendants or crew members is a federal offense, and the most serious cases can be referred for criminal prosecution by federal authorities. That can expose a passenger to prosecution separate from any state or local arrest made after landing. He may also face financial consequences beyond government penalties. Airlines can seek reimbursement for costs tied to the incident, including delays, extra security response, or a diversion if one had occurred. While this flight landed as scheduled, authorities often consider whether the conduct created a safety threat in the cabin. In this case, reporting indicates the man was identified locally as Daniel Borman, 36, of Springfield, New Jersey, and initially faced a disorderly intoxication charge. But the more serious risk may come from the federal side: FAA enforcement for unruly behavior and, if warranted, a criminal referral for interfering with the crew after an alcohol-fueled disturbance forced off-duty officers and another passenger to physically restrain him mid-flight.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 7

United Flight 1364 landed safely in Fort Lauderdale after retired Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara and two off-duty Bergen County sheriff's deputies restrained an allegedly unruly passenger.
45 minutes of de-escalation by flight attendants preceded the intervention, with O'Hara saying the man grew belligerent after crew refused to serve him more alcohol and then lunged at attendants.
Plastic flex cuffs were used to secure the passenger back in his seat on the Boeing 737-900, which United said was carrying 174 passengers and six crew members.
United said local law enforcement met the flight on arrival and thanked crew and passengers; authorities had not publicly identified the passenger or announced charges as of Thursday afternoon.
O'Hara said the episode showed how quickly violence can endanger people in a confined cabin and urged airlines to keep restraints readily available and train staff to use them.