An American Eagle flight from Chicago to Manchester had to make an unexpected landing on Wednesday after a passenger allegedly urinated in the aisle of the plane, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The incident involved Neil McCarthy, a 25-year-old from Oregon, who was arrested and charged with indecent exposure. The flight, originally bound for Manchester, New Hampshire, was diverted to Buffalo, New York, after McCarthy allegedly exposed himself and urinated in the aisle.
Authorities reported that the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA) Police were called to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport following the flight’s emergency landing. A flight attendant’s statement to the police led to McCarthy’s arrest and removal from the plane.
During questioning, McCarthy admitted to drinking several “Jack and Cokes” before his flight from Portland, Oregon, and during a layover in Chicago. He claimed that his actions were due to a “medical urination problem” and referred to his behavior as “flicking the bean,” according to the complaint reported by People.
Authorities also obtained a photograph from a passenger that allegedly shows McCarthy exposing himself during the flight. In response to the incident, American Airlines commended their crew for their professionalism and thanked passengers for their patience, noting that the flight continued to its destination shortly after the matter was resolved.
McCarthy is scheduled to appear in court for an attorney appointment hearing on July 25. If convicted, he faces up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. Following his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy, Neil McCarthy was released on his own recognizance.