A Connecticut couple has been arrested and following a disturbing in-flight incident aboard a JetBlue aircraft that left fellow passengers stunned.
Connecticut couple in cuffs for raunchy flight
Trista L. Reilly, 43, and Christopher D. Arnold, 42, both residents of Danbury, were taken into custody upon arrival at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport this past Saturday.
Authorities allege the two engaged in graphic sexual conduct during the flight, in clear view of others.
Law enforcement officials charged both Reilly and Arnold with two counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition, a felony offense under Florida law.
According to court filings, the shocking episode unfolded during JetBlue Flight 163, which departed from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport en route to Sarasota.
A female passenger alerted flight attendants after reportedly witnessing explicit behavior between the couple in the cabin.
One of the affidavits details that a flight crew member responded to the report and witnessed Reilly performing what was described as “up and down movements with her head while she was facedown on Mr. Arnold’s lap.”
The woman who reported the incident later gave a statement, indicating that Reilly appeared to be aware her children were watching the act, but made no effort to stop.
Connecticut couple face serious charges
Once the plane touched down in Florida, airport police boarded the aircraft and detained the suspects. Reilly and Arnold were taken into custody without incident.
Following their arrest, both were released on their own recognizance. Their court date has been scheduled for August 15.
Florida law classifies the alleged act of lewd or lascivious exhibition in front of minors as a second-degree felony.
If convicted, the Connecticut couple could face up to 15 years in prison each.
In addition to prison time, a conviction could come with a host of other penalties, including up to 15 years of sex offender probation, a $10,000 fine, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
Teen arrested for bomb joke on flight
This wasn’t the only air travel scare reported recently. Just days earlier, a 16-year-old from Missouri found himself in serious legal trouble after allegedly causing mass panic aboard a Spirit Airlines flight departing from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
The teen, who had been visiting friends in Florida, was scheduled to return to Kansas City on Flight 1332.
That flight, which was supposed to leave at 2:37 p.m., didn’t get off the ground until after 7:44 p.m., delayed by more than five hours due to what police described as a bomb threat.
According to reports, the teenager triggered the scare by saying, “I have a bomb in my pocket,” prompting immediate concern from those onboard.
Spirit Airlines later told local station WTVJ-TV that the plane was moved to a remote area of the airport, and all passengers were safely evacuated.
Police and bomb-sniffing dogs inspected the aircraft, but no explosives were found.
Deputies with the Broward Sheriff’s Office apprehended the teenager, who now faces charges of criminal mischief over $1,000 and filing a false report regarding a bomb or explosive device.
The teen’s mother, speaking to the Miami Herald, stated that the remark had been taken out of context and was meant as a “slang joke” about his masculinity.
She claimed her son had no malicious intent and that the words were misunderstood.
During a subsequent juvenile court hearing, the teen’s father, Phillip Schmidt, pleaded with the judge for understanding.
“I would just like to ask for grace in this matter,” he said. “I don’t believe he acted criminally. He was acting as an immature 16-year-old in my opinion.”
Nevertheless, the court ordered the teen to remain in a juvenile detention center while undergoing a psychological evaluation.
Meanwhile, another mid-air scare rattled passengers aboard a Delta Connection flight operated by SkyWest Airlines just days later.
Man charged for trying to force open plane door
On July 17, Delta flight 3612 made an unplanned landing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a man allegedly tried to force open the emergency exit door mid-flight.
The man, identified as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj, reportedly attempted to breach the exit door while the plane was still airborne.
Other travelers and flight crew had to physically restrain him, according to airport communications later reviewed by local station WMTW.
The pilot was heard alerting the tower at Eastern Iowa Airport: “A passenger is in a fight with our flight attendant right now, trying to open the emergency exit.”
Video footage captured by a fellow passenger showed Nikprelaj being escorted off the plane by police officers after the aircraft landed safely.
SkyWest Airlines later released a statement noting, “SkyWest has zero tolerance for unruly behavior, as safety for our customers and crew is our top priority.”
Nikprelaj was subsequently booked into the Linn County Correctional Center.
He faces a series of charges including disorderly conduct, assault, possession of prescription drugs, failure to pay a tax stamp, and first-degree harassment.
Additional charges could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
The flight was able to resume its journey and finally departed again at 8:24 p.m., over two hours after the incident began.
