It’s not unusual for teenagers to make mistakes. Typically, this means things like oversleeping or not turning in their homework. Unfortunately, a 16-year-old is alleged to have made a much bigger mistake – the kind that got him arrested on a plane.
The TSA is very clear that passengers shouldn’t joke about bombs or other explosive devices. If you do, they have no choice other than to take you seriously and call in law enforcement. Unfortunately, not everyone got the memo, possibly including a young man in Florida.
The teen’s statement was taken as a threat
The disruption cost the airline an estimated $50k
The teen was flying home to Kansas City from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport when he allegedly announced, “I have a bomb in my pocket,” while taxiing down the runway.
Needless to say, it was an ill-considered remark.
Another passenger overheard and reported the teen. Instead of going home, the plane turned around and headed back to the airport. A burly trio of serious-looking law enforcement officers escorted the young man off the plane.
The plane returned to the gate
All passengers were then forced to deplane due to safety concerns. The estimated cost to the airline was $50k.
In a statement, Spirit Airlines said, “The plane taxied to a remote location and passengers were safely deplaned before law enforcement inspected and cleared the aircraft. The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority.
The teen appeared in court and will not be identified in this story due to his age. The judge ordered a psychological evaluation, and he is currently being held in juvenile detention.
His parents are defending him
The teen’s fater appeared at the hearing via video and said, ““I would just like to ask for grace in this matter. I don’t believe he acted criminally. He was acting as an immature 16-year-old, in my opinion.”
In a statement to the Miami Herald, the sixteen-year-old’s mother described him as “a good kid” and said he never meant to make a threat. She explained that he was simply joking about his masculinity when he said he had a bomb in his pocket.
Whether the judge accepts his defense remains to be seen since he’s still in custody awaiting his next hearing.