NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A New Jersey man faces federal charges after he allegedly threatened crew members and passengers last weekend on a Newark-bound flight.
Luis A. Vaquero, 27, was charged with one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation.
According to documents, on Feb. 9, shortly after taking off on a flight from Miami, Florida, Vaquero began threatening and harassing various passengers, including making threats of physical violence toward a disabled minor and mocking a group of Jewish passengers.
Vaquero also threatened a flight crew member who declined to serve Vaquero alcohol after the beverage service window closed, telling her, "You better watch out, sh*t's gonna happen to you," Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna said.
Upon landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, flight attendants alerted law enforcement. After hearing the announcement that the airplane was awaiting the arrival of law enforcement, Vaquero forced his way to the front of the plane and began banging on the flight deck door, demanding, "I need the pilot to come outside!"
When a flight attendant attempted to intervene, authorities said Vaquero yelled, "I will really break your f*****g jaw n****!" Vaquero also yelled, "I wanna see that f*****g captain! Come outside you bitch ass n****!"
When the captain emerged, Vaquero continued to make threats to the captain while six inches from his face until law enforcement intervened, officials said.
The charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
"Over the course of a 3-hour flight, we allege Vaquero lost his temper and physically harassed not only the crew and captain, but passengers, making threats of physical violence toward a disabled minor and mocking a group of Jewish passenger." Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly said.
"It all culminated in a terrifying attack and attempted breach of the flight deck when witnesses say he banged on the cockpit door and confronted the pilot. The harrowing flight and other similar incidents onboard airplanes recently are creating tension and fear for fliers and crew members," he added.
