CNN reports that two people on a Delta flight headed to Atlanta opened an emergency exit, activated the slide and left the plane with a service dog while it was taxiing to the runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Monday.
Antonio, 31, and Brianna, 23, were charged with third degree criminal trespass, a Port Authority spokeswoman told CNN. Antonio was also charged with second degree criminal mischief and second degree reckless endangerment.
Delta spokesperson Morgan Durrant told CNN the aircraft returned to the gate, where the remaining passengers were rebooked on other flights. “Maintenance technicians have evaluated the aircraft and it is scheduled to return to service this evening,” Durrant said.
The New York Post reports that Antonio says he left the plane because he was having a panic attack. He alleges the crew told him several times that the plane would stop and let him off, and that it never did. “It was a panic attack,” he said outside Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday. “I asked them three or four times to let me off. They said they were stopping the plane, and they never stopped the plane, and I got to the point where I was just feeling dizzy.”
Queens Assistant District Attorney Robin Kwalbrun asked that Antonio be held on bail, citing his prior criminal cases and about $173,000 in damage to the plane. Brianna is due back in court at a later date, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
The Great Dane puppy that left the plane with them was taken to a Brooklyn animal shelter, and Brianna was given a receipt to pick it up. The charges are allegations, and both are presumed innocent.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
