NewsState

Actions

Passenger arrested after allegedly assaulting officers on American Airlines flight in Miami

Posted at 8:57 AM, Apr 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-23 11:53:41-04

A passenger onboard an American Airlines flight leaving Miami for Chicago on Sunday was arrested after he allegedly fought with another passenger before resisting arrest from several police officers.

The airline sent a statement saying that the flight, scheduled to leave at 9:30 p.m., was delayed when two passengers began arguing while the plane was still at the gate. The passenger who those onboard said instigated the incident, identified as 28-year-old Jacob Garcia, was asked to leave but refused.

When officials began deplaning all passengers, Garcia got into a physical altercation with another passenger and was “combative” with Miami-Dade Police Department officers who came onto the plane. He was later taken into custody and placed under arrest, charged with five counts including battery, resisting arrest and depriving an officer of their means of protection.

Garcia is being held on a $9,000 bond pending his first hearing. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney who could answer to the charges.
 
Video taken of the incident shows a man continuously asking why he is being removed from the plane, even after being stunned with a Taser. Police confirmed to NBC News that a Taser was used.

The plane eventually took off just over an hour after its scheduled time.

Story from our news partner NBC 6