An off-duty pilot is facing 83 counts of attempted murder after allegedly attempting to crash a passenger jet during a flight on Sunday night. The suspect, identified as Joseph David Emerson, 44, was sitting in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight behind the captain and first officer.
During the journey from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California, with 80 passengers onboard, the flight was diverted to Portland, Oregon, where the suspect was apprehended without incident.
According to Alaska Airlines, the off-duty pilot, who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat, made an unsuccessful attempt to disrupt the engine operation. Crew members on Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 promptly reported the incident to air traffic control.
The situation was handled professionally by the Horizon flight crew, earning gratitude from Alaska Airlines. Passengers were subsequently able to continue their travel on another flight.
Authorities are now investigating the incident, with both the Port of Portland Police Department and the FBI involved. However, the FBI has assured the public that there is no ongoing threat related to this singular event.
In addition to the attempted murder charges, Mr. Emerson is also facing 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft. He is currently being held at the Multnomah County Detention Center as the investigation remains ongoing.
