Current:Home > MarketsFormer Delta co-pilot indicted for threatening to shoot captain during commercial flight, officials say -Horizon Finance School
Former Delta co-pilot indicted for threatening to shoot captain during commercial flight, officials say
View
Date:2025-04-14 14:01:03
A former Delta co-pilot was federally indicted earlier this month, accused of threatening to shoot the captain of a commercial flight last year if he diverted the plane because a passenger on board may have been suffering a medical emergency, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
According to court documents obtained by CBS News, on Oct. 18 a Utah grand jury indicted Jonathan Dunn on one count of interference with a flight crew.
The alleged incident occurred on an Aug. 22, 2022, flight, the Department of Transportation's inspector general's office said in a news release Tuesday, but did not specify the airline where the flight originated from, or its destination. However, a Delta Air Lines spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that Dunn was working for Delta as a Delta first officer at the time of the incident.
According to the inspector general, Dunn, the co-pilot, had "a disagreement" with the captain, who wanted to potentially divert the flight "due to a passenger medical event."
Dunn then allegedly "told the captain they would be shot multiple times" if the flight was diverted, the inspector general said.
Officials did not provide any further details on how the situation played out.
Dunn was authorized to carry a gun as part of the Transportation Safety Administration's Federal Flight Deck Officer program, the inspector general said. Federal flight deck officers are airline pilots authorized by the TSA to be armed in the cockpit on domestic flights. They undergo special training to do so and are provided with a TSA-issued weapon to defend the flight deck against an attempted hijacking.
The two-page indictment, obtained by CBS News Tuesday, alleges that Dunn "did assault and intimidate a crew member of an aircraft…and did use a dangerous weapon in assaulting and intimidating the crew member."
In a statement Tuesday evening, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration told CBS News, "TSA is aware of an incident involving a Federal Flight Deck Officer."
The agency says Dunn has been removed from the FFDO program, but could not comment further due to the "pending investigation."
Delta told CBS News in a statement Tuesday evening that Dunn was no longer employed by the airline and refrained from commenting further pending the investigation.
Felicia Martinez, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office for the District of Utah, also told CBS News in a statement that "at this stage in the case, we don't have a lot of information to share without jeopardizing the integrity of the case."
Dunn is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 16.
The inspector general's office said it is getting assistance from the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration in its investigation.
The FAA and FBI declined to comment.
It is not immediately clear if Dunn has a lawyer representing him ahead of his scheduled arraignment.
On Oct. 22, authorities allege that an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot tried to shut off a plane's engines during a commercial flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California. The suspect, Joseph Emerson, has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder.
— Robert Legare and Katie Krupnik contributed to this report.
- In:
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Transportation Security Administration
- FBI
- Utah
Kris Van Cleave is CBS News' senior transportation and national correspondent based in Phoenix.
TwitterveryGood! (6)
Related
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- How Nick Saban became a Vrbo commercial star, including unscripted 'Daddy time in the tub'
- Texas would need about $81.5 billion a year to end property taxes, officials say
- A Legionnaire’s disease outbreak has killed 3 at an assisted living facility
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Physician sentenced to 9 months in prison for punching police officer during Capitol riot
- Selling Sunset's Chrishell Stause Says She Has Receipts on Snake Nicole Young
- McDonald's changing up McFlurry with new mini versions, eco-friendly lids
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Chiefs hold off Ravens 27-20 when review overturns a TD on final play of NFL’s season opener
Ranking
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Best Deals Under $50 at Free People: Save Up to 74% on Bestsellers From FP Movement, We The Free & More
- 'Joker 2' is 'startlingly dull' and Lady Gaga is 'drastically underused,' critics say
- Soccer Star Alex Morgan Reveals She’s Pregnant With Baby No. 2 in Retirement Announcement
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Fight Common Signs of Aging With These Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Products
- McDonald's changing up McFlurry with new mini versions, eco-friendly lids
- Surfer Caroline Marks took off six months from pro tour. Now she's better than ever.
Recommendation
San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
Red Lobster says it will soon exit bankruptcy protection after judge approves seafood chain’s sale
Say Goodbye to Tech Neck and Wrinkles with StriVectin Neck Cream—Now 50% Off
How Nick Saban became a Vrbo commercial star, including unscripted 'Daddy time in the tub'
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Shares Heartbreaking Message to Son Garrison 6 Months After His Death
Nicole Kidman Shares Relatable Way Her Daughters Sunday and Faith Wreak Havoc at Home
Husband of missing Virginia woman to head to trial in early 2025