A California man has been sentenced to 19 months in federal prison without parole for causing a disturbance on an American Airlines flight.Juan Rivas pleaded guilty to interfering with flight crew members on a February 2022 flight that was forced to land in Kansas City.Rivas attempted to open an exit door mid-flight, leading to his being subdued by passengers and crew.According to court documents, Rivas tried to fashion a weapon from plastic silverware and attempted to break a champagne bottle before trying to force open the exit door.Flight attendants and passengers intervened, with one flight attendant using a coffee pot to subdue Rivas until he could be restrained.Upon landing, Rivas resisted arrest, injuring several law enforcement officers with contusions, lacerations, and a hand injury.He faces additional charges in Platte County, Mo., for assaulting a law enforcement officer.
A California man has been sentenced to 19 months in federal prison without parole for causing a disturbance on an American Airlines flight.
Juan Rivas pleaded guilty to interfering with flight crew members on a February 2022 flight that was forced to land in Kansas City.
Rivas attempted to open an exit door mid-flight, leading to his being subdued by passengers and crew.
According to court documents, Rivas tried to fashion a weapon from plastic silverware and attempted to break a champagne bottle before trying to force open the exit door.
Flight attendants and passengers intervened, with one flight attendant using a coffee pot to subdue Rivas until he could be restrained.
Upon landing, Rivas resisted arrest, injuring several law enforcement officers with contusions, lacerations, and a hand injury.
He faces additional charges in Platte County, Mo., for assaulting a law enforcement officer.