A U.S. Navy sailor was arrested Tuesday after allegedly falsely reporting a bomb threat while aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight departing from San Diego.
According to a news release from the Port of San Diego, harbor police arrested and charged 35-year-old John Stea with making a false bomb threat and false report of a security threat.
The release stated that Stea was onboard Hawaiian flight 15 from San Diego International Airport to Honolulu, Hawaii, on Tuesday when he told a flight attendant the passenger next to him had a bomb.
The flight attendant then told the captain of the plane as the flight was pulling away from the jetway.
At around 8:45 a.m. local time, a SWAT team, K-9 team, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force joined several other federal agencies in responding to the scene. The pilot taxied to a safe location on the airfield, and all 293 people onboard were deplaned and transported by bus to a safe area.
One passenger aboard the aircraft recorded and posted a video to social media showing law enforcement leading an individual off the plane in handcuffs.
After searching the Airbus A330, K-9s cleared the aircraft and all carry-on and checked luggage. The release stated there is no threat to the public or travelers, and operations at the airport are normal.
“Harbor Police reminds the public that maliciously reporting a false bomb threat is against the law and can result in fines and up to one year incarceration in county jail or state prison if convicted,” the release stated.
A Hawaiian Airlines spokesperson told AirlineGeeks in an emailed statement that all 283 passengers and 10 crew members were reboarded after the incident.
“We appreciate their understanding during this situation and apologize for any concern this may have caused,” Hawaiian’s spokesperson said. “We are grateful for the professionalism and care of our flight attendants and pilots throughout this event.”
The release stated that Stea is a member of the U.S. military. Later reporting by the New York Post confirmed that he is serving as an Electronics Technician 2nd Class for the Navy.
“The safety of the public and our personnel is of utmost importance to the Navy,” Lt. Mohammad N. Issa, deputy public affairs officer and commander in the U.S. 3rd Fleet, said in a statement to the New York Post. “We take all threats seriously and are cooperating fully with local and federal authorities.”
AirlineGeeks reached out to Hawaiian Airlines for comment.
