Frontier passengers tackle man who allegedly choked off-duty flight attendant, tried to open door mid-flight

Federal authorities have formally charged a man accused of attacking a flight attendant and attempting to flee a Frontier Airlines aircraft. This incident, which ended with passengers restraining him, unfolded as the flight was headed to Chicago earlier this week.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced on Wednesday that 51-year-old Juan Gabriel Reyes from Chicago faces charges of interfering with flight crew operations and assault within maritime territorial jurisdiction.

According to court documents obtained by News Agency, the disruption began approximately 45 minutes after takeoff on Frontier Airlines Flight 3345. The plane was traveling from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Chicago, Illinois, when Reyes allegedly became unruly, prompting the pilot to make an unscheduled landing in Miami, Florida, on Sunday.

Reyes, charged with interference with flight crew and maritime assault, made headlines following the announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. (Miami-Dade Correctional Center)

Authorities reported that Reyes allegedly tried to open the plane’s two exit doors mid-flight and assaulted a fellow passenger. A flight attendant also recounted hearing Reyes express a desire to leave the aircraft.

Federal prosecutors accuse Juan Gabriel Reyes of attempting to open two exit doors on a Frontier Airlines flight from Puerto Rico to Chicago on May 31, 2026. (iStock)