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Flight diverted to Orlando after passenger tries to open door

Posted at 9:51 AM, May 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-17 09:51:58-04

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- An Air Canada flight from Jamaica to Toronto was diverted to Orlando, Florida, after authorities say a passenger became aggressive, attacked the crew with coffee pots and tried to open the cabin door.

A federal criminal complaint says crew members and other passengers secured Brandon Michael Courneyea using zip ties. Orlando television station WFTV-TV reports the FBI was contacted about 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Investigators said Courneyea yelled at passengers for "looking at him." He then grabbed a coffee pot from the galley and swung it at crew members before saying it would "only take one guy to take the plane down." He lunged for a rear door and began pulling the lever.

Federal agents arrested Courneyea, who faces several charges. It's not clear whether he has a lawyer.