An American Eagle flight from Chicago to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing on Wednesday due to the actions of a passenger, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a press release.
Neil McCarthy, a 25-year-old man from Oregon, was arrested and charged with indecent exposure after an incident on board an American Airlines flight that caused the flight to be diverted to Buffalo, New York from its original destination of Manchester, New Hampshire. according to To the U.S. Attorney's Office.
American Airlines plane makes emergency landing after passenger allegedly urinating in aisle https://t.co/aN7R5SO4y2
— People (@people) July 4, 2024
In a release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross said McCarthy is accused of exposing himself and urinating in the aisle during the flight. Niagara Border Transportation Authority (NFTA) police responded to the incident when the plane landed at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. A flight attendant gave a statement to police, and McCarthy was arrested and subsequently removed from the aircraft.
During questioning, McCarthy reportedly admitted to drinking multiple “Jack and Cokes” before boarding the flight in Portland, Oregon, and during his layover in Chicago. He claimed his inappropriate behavior was the result of a “urinary disorder” and described his actions as “popping the bean,” according to the lawsuit. report.
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 24: An American Airlines Boeing 777-223 arrives at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on Memorial Day weekend, May 24, 2024. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Authorities also received photos from passengers that appeared to show McCarthy exposing herself during the flight. Following the incident, American Airlines praised the team's professionalism and the passengers' understanding, and the flight returned to its destination shortly after the situation was defused, People magazine reports. (Related: Video shows Boeing plane's engines sparking before emergency landing)
McCarthy is scheduled to appear in court for an attorney selection hearing on July 25, People magazine reported. McCarthy is charged with criminal misdemeanor charges, which, if convicted, could face up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. Neil McCarthy was released without bail after his initial appearance before U.S. District Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy, according to the release.
