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Drunk Passenger At DIA Not Charged Because Airline Wanted To Get Back In The Air

By Tom Mustin

DENVER (CBS4) - "It looked like things were just getting a little bit out of hand."

That's what one Alaska airlines passenger said after their unscheduled landing in Denver Tuesday night.

"They said we were landing. They didn't say where. I thought, 'This doesn't look like San Diego,'" the passenger said.

The flight from Boston to San Diego landed in the Mile High City after an alleged drunk passenger disrupted the flight.

REDIRECTED FLIGHT 10PKG
(credit: CBS)

Cellphone video shows passengers applauding as three Denver police officers escorted the man from the plane,.

One man says the passenger appeared to be intoxicated and started to threaten people in the seats next to him.

Alaska Airlines Touch MAP

"Obnoxious, basically; started to worry a few passengers and they took the right steps in addressing the situation," another passenger said.

Denver police escorted the man to detox, but because no one was injured, the FBI and Denver police both decided not to file charges. Alaska Airlines agreed.

alaska airlines
(credit: CBS)

The feds told CBS4's Tom Mustin, had charges been filed, every passenger would have been taken off the plane, interviewed, and rebooked on another flight -- a costly and time-consuming detour

So why land in Denver in the first place? Alaska Airlines told CBS4 that, "Out of an abundance of caution, the captain decided to land at the nearest airport, which was Denver International Airport."

REDIRECTED FLIGHT
(credit: CBS)

As for the stop in Denver, passengers say it's a sign of the times.

"Everybody; their senses are heightened, not always as much at ease. Yeah, definitely things have changed," a passenger said.

The plane landed in San Diego Tuesday night at 10:30 p.m., 30 minutes later than scheduled.

Since the suspect was not charged, his name has not been released. He will have to pay for his medical exam at Denver Health Medical Center.

Statement From Alaska Airlines

  • Flight 769 departed Boston for San Diego at 6:32 p.m. ET. A passenger seated in row 13 was intoxicated and disruptive. Crew asked him to calm down, but he became agitated and verbally abusive.
  • Out of an abundance of caution, the captain decided to land at the nearest airport, which was Denver International Airport.
  • The plane landed safely and taxied to the gate where Denver Airport police met the plane and took the passenger into custody.
  • There were 181 passengers onboard the 737-900ER and they landed in San Diego, there final destination at 10:21 p.m.

Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.

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