Plane Diverts to Denver After Passenger Tries to Open Door

Cops take him into custody, alcohol involved
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 24, 2010 8:26 AM CST
Plane Diverts to Denver After Passenger Tries to Open Door
In this file photo taken Feb. 6, 2009, tarmac workers prepare a United Airlines Airbus 320 for departure from a gate at Denver International Airport.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

A United Airlines jetliner carrying more than 100 people from Washington, DC, to Las Vegas was diverted to Denver yesterday after a passenger tried to open an exterior door on the plane while it was in flight, officials said. Denver police took the passenger into custody and were interviewing him last night.

"There was a disturbance onboard, an unruly passenger," Denver airport police said in a statement. "Due to that disturbance, pilots decided to divert to Denver." The man had consumed alcohol before and during the flight, said Kathy Wright, an FBI spokeswoman. After questioning, the suspect was sent for a medical evaluation. (More Denver stories.)

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