An American Airlines flight from Seattle to Dallas was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger, identified as Eric Nicholas Gapco from Delanco, New Jersey, allegedly caused a severe disturbance mid-flight. The incident, captured on video by fellow passengers, shows a shirtless Gapco shouting wildly as crew members and passengers struggle to restrain him near the airplane’s bathroom, reports TMZ.
According to federal authorities, Gapco’s disruptive behavior escalated to dangerous levels during the flight. He is accused of hitting a vape pen before the situation deteriorated further. In a shocking turn of events, Gapco allegedly propositioned one of the flight attendants for sex and attempted to open the aircraft door mid-flight, prompting immediate action from the crew.
The video footage reveals the chaotic scene as panicked passengers rush to assist crew members in subduing Gapco. The situation became so dire that the flight crew resorted to restraining Gapco’s hands and feet, a measure clearly visible in the recorded video.
Due to the severity of the disturbance and the potential threat to passenger safety, the pilots made the decision to divert the flight. The plane made a tense emergency landing at Salt Lake City International Airport, where law enforcement was waiting to arrest Gapco upon arrival.
Following his arrest, Gapco has been charged with interfering with the flight crew and attempting to damage the aircraft. These serious charges reflect the gravity of his alleged actions and the potential consequences of such behavior on a commercial flight.
TMZ reports that the case has now been handed over to the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Salt Lake City Police Department for further investigation and prosecution. Gapco is expected to face court proceedings in the near future, where he will answer for his alleged mid-air misconduct.
