On a recent flight from Tokyo to Houston, a U.S. Marine, Sgt. Maj. Jody Armentrout, played a crucial role in averting a potential crisis. While traveling on All Nippon Airways Flight 114, he noticed a suspicious passenger behaving erratically. With over two decades of service in the Marines and stationed in Japan, Armentrout’s instincts kicked in when he observed the man taking a backpack into various bathrooms onboard, followed by pacing the aisle. This unusual behavior raised his alarm, prompting him to keep a vigilant eye on the passenger.
Armentrout’s concerns heightened when he witnessed the man eyeing the emergency exit door. In a split-second decision, he intervened, placing himself between the individual and the emergency exit. The suspect’s actions escalated as he attempted to manipulate the door latch. Recognizing the imminent danger, Armentrout swiftly tackled the man to the ground, an action supported by another passenger who assisted him in restraining him.
Flight attendants promptly joined the efforts, providing zip ties to secure the unruly passenger’s wrists, ensuring that he was restrained to a seat for the remainder of the flight. This was not just a simple incident—Flight 114 had to divert to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport due to the altercation. As a result, Armentrout sat next to the restrained man, aware that something was clearly off about him, indicating possible mental health concerns.
According to the FBI Seattle, they responded alongside the Port of Seattle Police to the incident, which had raised significant concerns among both the crew and passengers. The inquiry revealed that the man had attempted to open the emergency exit doors mid-flight, an extremely alarming behavior. After the plane landed, the individual was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Additionally, the disturbances didn’t end with just one passenger. A second individual also reacted negatively to the flight diversion, displaying aggression by punching a bathroom door. This added layer of unrest prompted the airline to ensure both problematic passengers were removed from the flight, underscoring the chaotic environment on board during this incident.
Despite the tense moment, the flight was able to continue to its destination and finally landed in Houston without any further issues. As the FBI assesses reports and witness statements, the airline expressed its commitment to passenger safety above all else. Although no charges have yet been filed, the airline’s quick response and collaboration with law enforcement exemplified effective crisis management during the flight.
