Retired Minneapolis Police Chief Helps Restrain Unruly Passenger on United Flight

A retired police chief and two off-duty law enforcement officers stepped in to subdue an unruly passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 1364, traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Brian O'Hara, former Minneapolis police chief, said the disturbance began after flight attendants cut off alcohol service to a passenger who then turned belligerent.

Cabin crew spent roughly 45 minutes attempting to de-escalate the situation before the passenger became physical. O'Hara and two off-duty Bergen County, N.J., sheriff's deputies then used plastic flex cuffs to restrain the individual and secure him in his seat, allowing flight attendants to resume their duties and the aircraft to land without further incident.

United Airlines confirmed local law enforcement met the flight upon arrival in Fort Lauderdale. Video from the scene shows officers escorting the passenger off the aircraft; authorities have not publicly identified the individual or announced formal criminal charges. The episode is the latest in a persistent pattern of unruly-passenger incidents reported across U.S. domestic carriers.