Former MMA Fighter Helps Restrain Passenger Who Allegedly Tried to Choke Off-Duty Employee on Frontier Flight

In a dramatic turn of events aboard a Frontier Airlines flight, a former MMA fighter intervened to assist in subduing a belligerent passenger who reportedly attempted to choke an off-duty airline employee. The incident occurred on Sunday, 31 May, during Flight 3345 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Chicago-O’Hare International Airport.

Josh Longood, a 37-year-old who was travelling back from his brother’s bachelor party, described the chaotic atmosphere as tensions escalated 45 minutes into the flight. An initial disturbance arose when 51-year-old Juan Gabriel Reyes expressed a desire to exit the aircraft, subsequently attempting to force open the rear exit door. Flight attendants intervened promptly, but Reyes’s behaviour became increasingly erratic as he attempted to breach the cockpit door.

According to an arrest affidavit, following the initial confrontation, Reyes made another attempt to disrupt the flight by trying to urinate on the bathroom floor. Once relocated to a seat near the off-duty employee, he escalated his actions by allegedly trying to choke her, prompting other passengers, including Longood, to act.

Utilising his MMA background, Longood helped to restrain Reyes along with flight attendants using seatbelt extenders and flex cuffs. Longood later shared a similar narrative on social media, stating that he was sitting just one row away from Reyes when the situation developed. “Luckily, I’m a light sleeper… I had to hold him down until our emergency landing in Miami,” he recounted in a post that captured the tense moment.

Longood expressed his gratitude at being in close proximity, which he believed enabled him to manage the situation effectively without anyone sustaining injuries. He noted that Reyes appeared to be “talking and acting crazy,” which prompted him to remain vigilant due to the presence of women and children nearby.

The aircraft was diverted to Miami International Airport, landing safely around 11:55 p.m. local time. The swift action of the flight crew and passengers ensured that no one was injured during the incident. Reyes was promptly taken into custody by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, who then transferred him to the FBI for further investigation.

He faces serious charges, which include interference with flight crew members and attendants, as well as assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Following the diversion, the flight continued successfully to Chicago, returning to normal operations after the harrowing episode.

Reports are emerging that both the Federal Aviation Administration and Frontier Airlines have yet to release detailed statements regarding the incident. As authorities continue to investigate, questions remain about how such disruptions can be prevented in future flights, highlighting a growing concern over passenger conduct on commercial airlines.

Longood’s quick thinking and decisive actions have drawn praise, demonstrating how bystanders can play an integral role in managing emergencies on board aircraft. His recounting of the event serves as both a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and an endorsement of the need for vigilance among passengers.

In a world where air travel continues to experience surges in disruptions, the collaboration between flight crews and alert bystanders like Longood emphasises the importance of community and mutual support in ensuring passenger safety. As investigations proceed, the aviation industry and regulatory bodies will be keenly observing the outcomes of this incident.