Passenger not charged after flight makes emergency landing at LaGuardia Airport
NEW YORK - An airline passenger whose behavior aboard a flight Saturday prompted an emergency landing and evacuation at LaGuardia Airport was released with no charges filed.
According to a spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport, an investigation by the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Port Authority concluded no criminal charges were warranted.
A passenger reported the man acting erratically on the Republic Airways flight from Indianapolis to LaGuardia, which prompted the pilot to declare an emergency landing. The plane halted on the taxiway short of its gate at approximately 3 p.m., and video showed the man spread-eagled on the tarmac with emergency personnel kneeling beside him. He was later taken into custody.
"American Eagle flight 4817, operated by Republic Airways with service from Indianapolis to New York (LGA) deplaned on the taxiway at LGA due to a potential security issue. The aircraft landed safely, and all customers deplaned without incident," American Airlines said in a statement.
"We are monitoring the situation, and there is no reason to believe there is any danger to New Yorkers at this time," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a tweet.
RELATED: Delta bans over 1,600 people, urges other airlines to share ‘no fly’ lists
In an email, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said "nothing harmful was on the aircraft."
There are no reports of injuries to the plane's reported 76 passengers and 4 crew.
With the Associated Press.
Get breaking news alerts in the free FOX5NY News app | Sign up for FOX 5 email newsletters | Get the Fox 5 Weather App