An American Eagle flight from Chicago to Manchester had to make an emergency landing on Wednesday after a passenger allegedly exposed himself and urinated in the aisle. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported the incident, which resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Neil McCarthy from Oregon.
The flight, which was headed to Manchester, New Hampshire, was diverted to Buffalo, New York, due to McCarthy’s behavior. Upon landing, the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA) Police boarded the plane and took McCarthy into custody based on a statement from a flight attendant and evidence provided by other passengers.
McCarthy admitted to consuming multiple alcoholic beverages, specifically “Jack and Cokes,” before and during the flight. He blamed his actions on a supposed “medical urination problem” and described his behavior using an inappropriate term, according to the complaint detailed by People.
One passenger even captured a photo showing McCarthy exposing himself, which was handed over to the authorities. Following the incident, American Airlines praised their staff for handling the situation professionally and thanked passengers for their cooperation. The flight continued to its intended destination after the disruption was managed.
McCarthy faces charges of indecent exposure, with potential penalties including up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. He is scheduled for a court hearing on July 25. After his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy, Neil McCarthy was released on his own recognizance.
