CNN reports that two people on a Delta flight headed to Atlanta opened the emergency exit, activated the slide, and exited with a service dog while the plane was taxiing to a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport Monday.
Antonio Murdock, 31, and Brianna Greco, 23, were charged with third-degree criminal trespass, a Port Authority spokeswoman told CNN. Also, Murdock was 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 given alternate flights.
“Maintenance technicians have evaluated the aircraft and is scheduled to return to service this evening,” Durrant said.
The New York Post reports that Murdock says he bailed because he was suffering a panic attack. He alleges the crew told him several times that they would stop the plane and let him off, and the jet didn’t stop.
“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 for Murdock to be held on bail. The ADA cited his past criminal cases and the $173,000 worth of damage caused to the plane when asking for bail.
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Murdock’s girlfriend is scheduled to appear in court on March 21.
The Great Dane puppy was taken to a Brooklyn animal shelter, and Greco was provided with a receipt to pick up the dog.
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