WGNO

Passenger’s ‘erratic’ behavior prompts emergency response, landing at LaGuardia

NEW YORK — Emergency crews responded to LaGuardia Airport Saturday afternoon following a “security incident” involving a passenger on a flight from Indianapolis to New York City, officials said.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Embraer Air E75 regional jet landed at LaGuardia just after 3 p.m. following a “security incident,” and all passengers safely deplaned the aircraft.


A Port Authority spokesperson said a passenger on the plane was displaying suspicious and erratic behavior that caused concern to other passengers.

There were 76 passengers and four crew members on board; no injuries were reported, American Airlines said.

American Airlines’ American Eagle flight 4817, operated by Republic Airways, was scheduled to land at LaGuardia, according to a search of the flight.

Runway 4 was cleared in order to deplane passengers. The pilot alerted authorities to the situation on the ground.

Video posted to Twitter from inside a plane on the ground showed emergency vehicles lined along parts of the tarmac surrounding at least one aircraft.

Additional video showed the large response scene, which included police and other emergency vehicles, while one user’s video showed a man face down on the ground with emergency personnel.

The passenger remained in Port Authority Police custody Saturday night. Officials said there was no evidence of a bomb on board or threats made about an explosive, contrary to social media hearsay.

According to its website, a company by the name of Republic Airways operates services for Delta Connection, United Express and American Eagle.