A New Jersey man reportedly consumed an extreme quantity of marijuana edibles earlier than trying to open the door of an American Airways flight mid-air. The chaotic occasion unfolded on July 18, 2024, aboard flight #2101, which was en route from Seattle to Dallas.
In line with court docket paperwork released by the U.S. Lawyer’s Workplace for the District of Utah, 26-year-old Eric Nicholas Gapco allegedly engaged in a collection of disruptive behaviors that culminated in his try to breach the plane’s safety.
Witnesses reported that after being rebuffed by a flight attendant when he propositioned her for intercourse, Gapco grew to become more and more agitated and commenced to behave out.
Passengers and crew described a scene of chaos as Gapco ignored a number of requests to stay seated. He reportedly vaped on board, locked himself within the bathroom, and tried to open the plane’s exterior doorways.
The scenario escalated to such a level that the flight crew, together with a number of passengers, had no selection however to restrain Gapco utilizing versatile restraints till they might safely land in Salt Lake Metropolis. As soon as the airplane touched down at Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport, legislation enforcement was ready to apprehend him.
Extra from the Dallas Morning News:
Initially, Gapco advised arresting officers he had not taken medication, then later mentioned he had eaten about 10 marijuana edibles and was not sure of their THC content material, in keeping with court docket paperwork. Gapco could have self-reported PTSD and reportedly tried to provide one other passenger a bag of unknown tablets, data present.
Gapco can also be accused of failing to observe directions to stay in his seat, being repeatedly loud and bothering different passengers. Gapco’s lawyer didn’t reply to requests for remark Thursday.
“The security and safety of our clients and staff members is our prime precedence,” American Airways advised The Dallas Morning Information in an emailed assertion. “We thank our staff members for his or her professionalism and our clients for his or her understanding.”
On the airport, Gapco allegedly broke the glass of his holding cell and was taken to the hospital for analysis, in keeping with a Salt Lake County affidavit. Information allege he constantly screamed at nurses, medical doctors and others, utilizing a number of obscenities, and spit in an officer’s face.
Gapco faces a misdemeanor and two felony prices for his alleged actions on the airport, in keeping with court docket data, and his bail was set at $2,000. He was booked in Salt Lake County jail on July 19, data present.
Video footage captures Gapco along with his shirt off, yelling, “I’m sane!” whereas crew members try to calm him. As he’s escorted off the airplane, he declares, “Donald Trump 2024, or Joe Biden, I don’t thoughts—I’m the brand new era.”
WATCH:
NEW: New Jersey man who took 10 edibles tries opening the door of an American Airways flight after getting turned down for s*x with a flight attendant
“Trump 2024,” the person was heard saying as he was escorted off the airplane.
26-year-old Eric Nicholas Gapco was arrested after… pic.twitter.com/srgKZ4emPW
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 3, 2024