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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Fugitive in '68 Hijack Nabbed at JFK

After 41 years in Cuba, alleged hijacker could face life in prison

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(Newser) – A longtime fugitive who allegedly hijacked a plane in 1968 and diverted it to Cuba was arrested yesterday at JFK Airport in New York and will be arraigned tomorrow. Luis Armando Pena Soltren, now 66, is accused of smuggling weapons inside a diaper bag and terrorizing dozens of passengers 41 years ago. His two accomplices were arrested in the mid-1970s and pleaded guilty.

Hijacking planes was a numbingly frequent occurrence in 1968. More than 30 flights were hijacked or faced attempted hijackings to Cuba, including two on the day in question, according to the New York Times. US attorneys expected the fugitive's return yesterday, though it's unclear whether the Cuban government played any part in the arrest. Soltren is facing charges of air piracy and kidnapping; if convicted, he faces life in prison.

Luis Armando Pena Soltren, who allegedly hijacked a Pan-Am flight and diverted it to Cuba in 1968, was arrested at Kennedy airport last night after more than 40 years on the run.
Luis Armando Pena Soltren, who allegedly hijacked a Pan-Am flight and diverted it to Cuba in 1968, was arrested at Kennedy airport last night after more than 40 years on the run.   (©wade2000)
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4 comments
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zackmasson
Oct 12, 09 12:11 PM CDT
coming back to the states, lol, what a dumb ass. Now your going to pay for your indiscretions. Reply
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DarkFrancis
Oct 12, 09 3:30 PM CDT
I think 'indiscretion' covers things like affairs etc. Hijacking a plane is just a wee bit more serious than an indiscretion.
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Spudsy
Oct 12, 09 6:03 PM CDT
This is a really interesting story in that I wonder why he was dumb enough to come back? He really couldn't have thought that in the years since 911 we weren't closely watching those coming in via the air. I hope that Cuba cooperated behind the scenes to arrange this and that the ridiculous embargoes against them will stop with a thaw in relations. Reply
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bewilderbeast
Oct 14, 09 7:36 AM CDT
Nah, c'mon Spudsy, get real! A mega-rich HUGE neighbor reach out and embrace a dirt-poor TINY neighbour (who is sort-of related to him) and share some of his bounty and build a mutually-beneficial future with the little guy? Naah, could never happen. America CANNOT, DARE NOT be that kind or decent or empathetic. Nope.
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