An Alaska Airlines flight was diverted to Portland, Oregon, Sunday after an off-duty pilot in the cockpit unsuccessfully tried to shut down the plane’s engines, according to the airline and a source who confirmed details to CBS News’ Kris Van Cleave. A suspect was taken into custody by police after the plane landed safely at Portland’s airport, officials confirmed to CBS News.
The suspect was identified as Joseph Emerson, Portland International Airport said in a statement.
According to online jail records from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Emerson is facing multiple charges including 83 counts of attempted murder.
An air traffic control recording during the incident captured the pilot saying, “We’ve got the guy who tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
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