Airborne Panic: Passenger Tried to Open Exit, Attacked Crew on Flight to Chicago

A Frontier Airlines flight bound for Chicago experienced significant disruption when a passenger attempted to open an emergency exit and assaulted a flight attendant. The incident occurred on Sunday aboard flight 3345, which was traveling from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Juan Gabriel Reyes, 51, reportedly began shouting his desire to leave the aircraft approximately 45 minutes after departure. When his initial attempt to force an emergency exit failed, he reportedly began banging on the cockpit door. A flight attendant intervened, allowing him to use the restroom, but he later attempted to urinate on the floor.

Further escalation occurred when Reyes allegedly grabbed and choked a flight attendant who was moving to assist him. The commotion prompted other passengers to intervene, restraining Reyes with zip ties and seatbelt extenders until the plane landed in Miami. The FBI arrested Reyes upon arrival, and the flight eventually continued its journey to Chicago after a delay.