Marine restrains man who tried to open emergency exit on flight: report
A U.S. Marine stationed in Tokyo, Japan, recently made headlines for his quick thinking and heroic actions on a flight from Tokyo to Houston. Sergeant Major Jody Armentrout, a Marine with over 20 years of service, was on Flight 114 when he noticed a suspicious man behaving erratically.
According to reports, the man had been pacing up and down the aisle and had even gone into the bathroom multiple times before Armentrout saw him eyeing the emergency exit door. Without hesitation, Armentrout got up and positioned himself between the man and the door.
When the man attempted to open the emergency exit door on the opposite side of the aircraft, Armentrout sprang into action, slamming him to the ground and restraining him with zip ties. With the help of another passenger and flight attendants, Armentrout was able to secure the man and prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
The flight was diverted to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where the unruly passenger was taken into custody for a medical evaluation. A second passenger who became agitated with the flight diversion was also removed from the plane.
While no charges have been filed yet, prosecutors are reviewing the incident to determine if federal charges are warranted. All Nippon Airways, the airline operating the flight, commended the efforts of Armentrout and the other passengers and crew for their quick response in ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
The flight eventually continued on to Houston without further incident. The FBI’s Seattle office confirmed the incident and praised the actions of those involved in handling the situation.
Overall, the quick thinking and bravery displayed by Sergeant Major Jody Armentrout on Flight 114 serve as a reminder of the dedication and courage of our servicemembers, both on and off duty.
