US judge jails American Airlines PAX who tried to open exit door midflight
after pleading guilty to interfering with flight crew members and flight attendants.
Juan Remberto Rivas, 52, was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 1175, on February 13, 2024, when he tried to open the exit door while flying between Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
During the trial, Rivas admitted that he created a disturbance and knowingly intimidated a flight attendant of the aircraft, which led to the aircraft diverting to Kansas City Airport (MCI). During the inflight disturbance, Rivas went to the front of the plane where he argued with the flight attendant.
According to court documents he grabbed some plastic silverware and with his shirt sleeve appeared to “create a shank”.
Rivas then took a small champagne bottle by the neck and attempted to break the object on the counter. It was following this exchange that Rivas attempted to open an exit door by lifting the handle, only to be struck with a coffee pot by a second flight attendant and subsequently restrained by other passengers.
Audio between the aircraft pilot and air traffic control also revealed that the convict attempted to enter the flight deck.
Police officers who entered the plane on the ground were assaulted by Rivas while trying to place him under arrest.
During an attempt by Rivas to escape, a number of officers were also injured, resulting in concussions, lacerations and an injured hand.
Rivas was sentenced by Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark at the US District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The case was prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Paul Becker.
In addition to this federal case, Rivas faces a pending charge in Platte County for assault against a law enforcement officer.
