A flight heading to Manchester, New Hampshire, had to be diverted after a man reportedly exposed himself and urinated in the aisle of the aircraft, officials revealed on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old man from Oregon was taken into custody and charged with indecent exposure once the plane landed at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Following an initial court appearance in federal court in Buffalo, he was released, as stated in a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The American Eagle flight resumed its journey from Buffalo after the incident, as confirmed in a statement from American Airlines. The statement expressed gratitude to the airline’s staff for their professionalism and to the passengers for their cooperation.
According to the man, who was flying from Portland, Oregon, to Manchester, he had consumed multiple whiskey and cola drinks before boarding the flight. He continued to drink during a layover in Chicago and after boarding the connecting flight. The man claimed he needed to use the restroom due to a medical condition related to urination, as stated in the criminal complaint.
An email requesting a response was sent to his federal public defender for comment.