An alleged hijacking attempt forced a United Airlines flight to New Jersey to turn back from its trip to Las Vegas. The suspect is now speaking out, saying it was a drunken joke.
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The Passenger Said He Was Joking About the Hijacking
As the New York Post reports, a flight attendant saw 25-year-old Dante Milne on United Flight 1681 sending texts about hijacking the plane. She then alerted the pilot.
The pilot told reporters, "We went into lockdown. And we returned to Vegas."
Milne allegedly said in the message that he was "gonna hijack this b**** and crash ur row only." However, he said the message was meant as a joke for a friend in another seat on the plane.
According to a criminal complaint, the trainee welder told investigators that he had a beer and some shots at the airport bar. He then fell asleep on the plane. When he woke up, the plane was heading back to Vegas.
Milne told investigators that he texted someone on the plane, but he didn't remember what the messages were about. When asked about the hijack comment, he said it was poorly worded "banter between coworkers."
Milne Said He Was Sorry
The arrest report says Milne never meant to take over the plane. He apologized for what happened.
The passenger was heading home after three days in Vegas for a work apprenticeship training program for underwater welding.
Milne was arrested on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism. He was later booked at the Clark County Detention Center and released on a $10,000 bond.
A spokesperson said no injuries were reported after a "potential safety concern." Due to the disturbance, passengers stayed at Harry Reid International Airport overnight and were placed on an alternative flight that departed Sunday morning.
Milne's lawyer told a judge on Oct. 27 that he planned to plead not guilty. The suspect is due in court on Jan. 5.
