A man accused of making a bomb threat aboard a commercial flight, forcing an emergency landing at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, has been charged in federal court, authorities said.
A criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan charges Jason Douglas Pazol with conveying false information and hoaxes under federal law.
The incident occurred on Sunday (March 29) aboard American Airlines Flight 2819, which was traveling from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport with more than 150 passengers and crew.
Authorities said Pazol allegedly threatened to blow up the aircraft during the flight, prompting the crew to initiate emergency procedures and divert the plane to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Once on the ground, law enforcement and emergency personnel responded, and the aircraft was moved to an isolated area for inspection.
Officials said passengers were removed and rescreened, and the plane and luggage were searched for explosives. No explosive devices were found, according to the complaint.
The FBI said the response involved multiple agencies, including airport police, the Transportation Security Administration, and federal air marshals, and resulted in the cancellation of the flight.
In an interview with investigators, Pazol admitted to making the threat, according to the complaint.
He told agents he was experiencing issues with his medication and described having “racing thoughts” and a breakdown during the flight.
Per the complaint, Pazol said he made the threat because he believed other passengers were not safe around him and wanted the plane to land.
Video reviewed by investigators shows Pazol yelling at times during the flight, including statements demanding the plane be landed immediately and threatening to blow it up.
The complaint states that airline personnel followed bomb threat protocols after the statements were made, including notifying the pilot and preparing for a potential emergency response.
Pazol was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for evaluation following the incident, authorities said.
If convicted, he faces federal penalties for making false threats involving aircraft safety.