United passenger accused of attacking flight attendant, trying to access cockpit as plane landed in Newark airport

A man accused of attacking a flight attendant and trying to enter the cockpit on a flight that landed at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday has been taken into custody, authorities told CNN.

The Port Authority Police Department told CNN that the 48-year-old suspect was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation.

Police said one person on the plane refused medical attention and no other injuries were reported.

The incident was reported as an argument, and audio from ATC.com shows the suspect attacking a flight attendant.

In the audio, the pilot is heard saying, “United 1837, we are declaring an emergency. It looks like someone attacked one of our flight attendants.”

Again the pilot says: “A gentleman attacked one of the flight attendants and attempted to open the front main cabin door.”

“Oh my God,” ground control is heard saying.

The flight took off from the Dominican Republic and landed safely in Newark on Saturday evening, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

According to United Airlines, the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft had 170 passengers and 6 crew members on board.

“We are grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our crewmates and customers,” the airline said in a statement to CNN.

The FAA will investigate the incident, the agency said.

So far this year, airlines have reported nearly 500 incidents of unruly passengers. accordingly FAA.

According to the FAA, any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates or interferes with airline crew members can be fined up to $43,658 per violation.

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