Brian O’Hara, a retired Minneapolis police chief, helped two off-duty Bergen County sheriff’s deputies restrain an allegedly unruly passenger aboard United Flight 1364. The incident occurred Thursday during a flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after flight attendants reportedly refused to serve the passenger more alcohol. O’Hara said the crew spent about 45 minutes trying to calm the man before he allegedly lunged at them. United Airlines said local law enforcement met the Boeing 737-900 after it landed.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Disturbance begins after alcohol cutoff |
| 2) | Crew attempts to de-escalate the passenger |
| 3) | Passengers intervene when the situation turns physical |
| 4) | United confirms response and aircraft details |
| 5) | Retired chief calls for preparedness on flights |
Disturbance begins after alcohol cutoff
Brian O’Hara was traveling with his wife on United Flight 1364 when the passenger allegedly became increasingly agitated after being refused additional alcohol. O’Hara said the man repeatedly berated flight attendants, tried to leave his seat and behaved erratically while the aircraft was in flight. He later said he learned the reported alcohol-related details from the Broward Sheriff’s Office after the passenger was arrested.
The flight was traveling from Newark to Fort Lauderdale on Thursday. Authorities had not publicly identified the passenger or announced criminal charges as of Thursday afternoon.
Crew attempts to de-escalate the passenger
O’Hara said flight attendants spent roughly 45 minutes attempting to resolve the situation without force. He described the crew as professional and focused on protecting the passengers while trying to keep the man calm. The passenger allegedly continued shouting profanities and making threatening remarks during the effort.
“Incredibly professional, just trying to talk to this guy to de-escalate things.”
O’Hara said the situation became more dangerous when the passenger allegedly stood and lunged toward the flight attendants. The confined aircraft cabin left little room for passengers and crew to respond safely.
Passengers intervene when the situation turns physical
Two passengers seated near the rear of the aircraft reportedly grabbed the man from behind as O’Hara moved forward to assist. The three men worked together to restrain him with plastic flex cuffs and secure him in his seat, allowing the flight attendants to return to their seats and the plane to continue safely to its destination.
O’Hara later learned that the two passengers were off-duty Bergen County Sheriff’s officers from New Jersey. His wife, a lieutenant with the Newark Police Department, was seated nearby during the incident. In a social media post afterward, she praised his decision to help and said everyone aboard arrived safely.
United confirms response and aircraft details
United Airlines confirmed that local law enforcement met Flight 1364 when it arrived in Fort Lauderdale to address an unruly passenger. The airline thanked the crew and customers who assisted. The aircraft was a Boeing 737-900 carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, including two pilots and four flight attendants.
“We thank our crew and customers for assisting with the situation and helping ensure the safety of everyone onboard.”
Cellphone video of the confrontation circulated on social media, but O’Hara said it did not show the long period during which the crew tried to peacefully manage the passenger before the physical intervention.
Retired chief calls for preparedness on flights
Brian O’Hara, who spent 25 years in law enforcement and previously led public safety operations in Newark before serving as Minneapolis police chief, said violent behavior is especially hazardous aboard an aircraft. He argued that passengers who are able to help should consider acting when a situation is escalating toward violence, while emphasizing the risks of a confined environment.
O’Hara also said airlines should ensure restraints are available and that at least some personnel receive training in their safe use. The Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Aviation Administration were contacted for further information, but no additional public details were available in the report.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The passenger allegedly became disruptive after being denied more alcohol. |
| 2 | Flight attendants reportedly tried to de-escalate the situation for about 45 minutes. |
| 3 | A retired police chief and two off-duty sheriff’s officers restrained the passenger. |
| 4 | United said the aircraft landed safely in Fort Lauderdale and law enforcement responded. |
Summary
The reported disturbance on United Flight 1364 ended without reported harm to other passengers after crew members and three passengers restrained the alleged offender. The incident highlighted the challenges of managing threatening behavior in a confined aircraft cabin. The passenger’s identity and any criminal charges had not been publicly disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on United Flight 1364?
A passenger allegedly became disruptive after being denied additional alcohol and later lunged toward flight attendants. Three passengers helped restrain him before the flight landed.
Who helped restrain the passenger?
Retired Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara and two off-duty Bergen County Sheriff’s officers from New Jersey assisted in restraining the passenger.
Were criminal charges announced?
No. As of Thursday afternoon, authorities had not publicly identified the passenger or announced criminal charges.
