NEWS RELEASE
THUNDER BAY POLICE SERVICE
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THUNDER BAY POLICE SERVICE
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A Hamilton man faces numerous charges after causing a disturbance on an airplane that led to an emergency landing in Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the Thunder Bay International Airport just before 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, following a request to remove a passenger from a flight.
Police learned the Swoop Airlines flight was en route to Hamilton from Edmonton before its unscheduled landing.
During the flight a smoke alarm was triggered from the aircraft’s lavatory. When the flight crew responded to the alarm they observed a 47-year-old male exiting and returning to his seat. The flight crew also observed evidence the male had been smoking in the lavatory.
The same male continued to cause a disturbance on the flight by interfering with the flight crew, swearing and insulting them.
Despite repeated requests for the male to stop, the behavior continued until the pilot was forced to divert the plane and perform the emergency landing.
Police took the male into custody so the flight could continue to its destination.
A 47-year-old Hamilton man is charged with Mischief Over $5,000, Smoking on Board an Aircraft, and Causing a Disturbance While Flying.
He is expected to appear in bail court in Thunder Bay today.
