A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged after being accused of threatening to blow up the plane, forcing an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month. Jason Douglas Pazol, who was on board American Airlines Flight 2819 on March 29, allegedly told passengers and crew “I will blow this f***ing plane up” and “I swear to God, I am going to do something terrible,” according to court records.
The aircraft, carrying more than 150 passengers and crew, was diverted after the alleged threats. The crew followed bomb threat protocol and landed in Detroit, where the plane was isolated for a full security sweep. All passengers were taken off while officers searched the aircraft and luggage for explosives. None were found, and the flight was later cancelled.
Pazol admitted to the FBI that he made the threats during a mental breakdown triggered by problems with his medication, which caused “racing thoughts”, reported CBS.
He said he believed other passengers were not safe around him and that forcing the plane to land would prevent harm to others.
Video footage reviewed by investigators showed Pazol sitting with his head in his hands while a woman, believed to be his wife, spoke to crew about his medication. He then began shouting at passengers and crew.
He was arrested on March 29 and taken to hospital for evaluation. In a later interview he told officers: “I know why people say stuff like that… because that’s what people do to get planes landed… because I am f***ing sick.”
Pazol has been charged with conveying false or misleading information.
The criminal complaint was signed by US Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Stafford on March 31 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
His lawyer told CBS Chicago that Pazol has no criminal history and is a well-loved schoolteacher, husband and father who is now receiving mental health treatment.
The prosecution is said to be exploring a resolution that takes account of the circumstances.
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