Retired Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara found himself in an unexpected crisis at 35,000 feet. A routine United Airlines flight turned chaotic. Flight attendants spent nearly 45 minutes trying to calm a disruptive passenger. O’Hara, along with two off-duty Bergen County sheriff’s deputies, intervened.

O’Hara shared that the passenger harassed flight attendants, attempted to leave his seat, and acted erratically. The disturbance arose when flight attendants refused to serve him more alcohol, leading to agitation. Despite the crew’s professionalism, the passenger lunged at them.

O’Hara said, “It was infuriating to hear the man speak to the crew in such a manner, despite their professionalism.”

Several passengers, including O’Hara and the deputies, restrained the individual using plastic flex cuffs. This restraint allowed the flight attendants to secure themselves before landing.

United Airlines confirmed the incident, acknowledging local law enforcement’s response upon arrival in Fort Lauderdale. The airline expressed gratitude to the crew and passengers who assisted in ensuring safety.

The Boeing 737-900 carried 174 passengers with six crew members aboard. Although video footage of the incident circulated on social media, it did not capture the crew’s prolonged efforts to de-escalate the situation.

O’Hara, a law enforcement veteran of 25 years, emphasized the potential dangers in such situations aboard a plane. The confined space heightens risks when dealing with agitated individuals.

His wife, a lieutenant with Newark Police, witnessed the events. She praised O’Hara’s actions in a social media post, highlighting leadership as willingness to assist others.

Reflecting on the ordeal, O’Hara hopes more people will be proactive in preventing harm. He noted the importance of having restraints available and training crew members to handle violent passengers.

Authorities had not released the identity of the passenger involved in the incident as of Thursday afternoon.