On Sunday, a crazed man aboard a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston was stopped by several passengers after he tried to open an emergency door and allegedly attacked a flight attendant with a broken metal spoon.
Francisco Severo Torres, 33, of Leominster, Massachusetts, was restrained by five or six passengers after his attempt to open the door. Passengers Simik Ghookasian and Lisa Olsen said that Torres was so strong and uncooperative that the passengers had to take turns restraining him. Passengers even tried to place him in zip ties to keep him from escaping.
Ghookasian, a government contractor with counter-terrorism training, said that everything “just exploded in a few seconds” after Torres began making wild threats. Olsen said that the man became increasingly agitated when passengers attempted to calm him down. Passengers eventually took their belts off and used them to restrain him until the plane landed at Boston’s Logan International Airport.
Torres has been charged with interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a deadly weapon. He has a history of mental health issues and has sued two mental health facilities while acting as his own lawyer.
Following his arrest, Torres allegedly tried to attack two jail guards while in custody at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He is awaiting his next hearing there.
The incident has left many passengers shaken, but thankful for the quick action taken by their fellow passengers. Ghookasian said it was “total teamwork” that stopped Torres, and Olsen said the passengers were “very appreciative” for their quick response.
United Airlines released a statement regarding the incident, saying they are “grateful for the quick action taken by our crew and fellow passengers” and that the safety of their customers is their top priority.
The incident is still under investigation, however, Torres could face life in prison if convicted of the federal charges.
