Large Transport
Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Security; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
General Police / Security Involved
Human Factors
I was informed that we had a disgruntled passenger about 90 minutes into the 3 hour flight. Working with the aft cabin crew and the Purser; 2 passengers were moved to others seats away from this passenger; as this irritated passenger was apparently under the influence of one or more medications and/or alcohol. There was no change to his condition; attitude; and no escalation of the issue for the next 30 minutes. I was randomly updated by the entire cabin crew with any new issues regarding this passenger throughout the remainder of the flight. I also contacted destination operations to see if the CSR there could offer anything at deplaning to these two accommodating passengers; who had changed seats voluntarily because of this passenger; such as certificates/coupons. We have always had such items for inconvenienced passengers. Goodwill. Great service. I was told any such goodies for Good Samaritan passengers to say thank you has been discontinued. Brilliant. All was well until top of descent. I then understood that this passenger had walked to the aft galley; was unpleasant; rude; threatening; and had locked himself in the lavatory and would not return to his seat for landing. The cabin crew alerted 2 ABP for assistance and the restraint devices were retrieved. A Threat Level One was on deck; and I notified Dispatch to alert law enforcement to respond and be prepared to board the aircraft on arrival. Cockpit was in lockdown. I was in constant contact with the cabin crew and Dispatch as we prepared for landing and LEO intervention was requested. At approximately 12;000 FT; the passenger left the lavatory but would not return to his seat. I made another PA announcement and he was coerced to return to his seat by the cabin crew. This individual was about 6'1'; 250 LBS; 35 years old and strong. Fearing that this unstable and now visibly threatening passenger would be a danger to my crew and deplaning passengers; I instructed the Purser to advise the folks to remain seated upon arrival and stay seated until otherwise instructed. I met the LEO's at L1 upon block in and quickly informed them of the situation and told them to remove this passenger from my aircraft. The 2 Police Officers proceeded to where this passenger was seated. The First Officer; Purser and I were at the cockpit entrance. Suddenly the passenger stood up and was aggressive towards the 2 LEO's. The struggling passenger was then dragged off the aircraft into the jetway where the LEO's attempted to restrain him with handcuffs. The First Officer; Purser and I remained at the door L1. I did not want this fight to return to the aircraft and the passengers were reassured that the jetway would be cleared shortly for their deplaning. I discussed this with the First Officer and Purser. It was too dangerous for any passengers to be going thru the jetway due to the police action 5 feet from the aircraft door. Then the extremely angered passenger pirouetted throwing the 2 LEO's off their balance and they all fell to the floor. The 2 LEO's pounced on him; still unable to restrain him completely. Then I saw the passenger's left arm slide out from under him on the floor by the jetway weather doors and was very close to one LEO's weapon belt. This Officer was struggling with the right arm and shoulder. The other Officer was trying to restrain the upper torso and head. I was concerned about the pending threat to my crew and passengers and the chance that this arrest might suddenly be going the wrong direction. I joined the fracas on the jetway floor and grabbed hold of the perpetrator's left forearm and elbow. I used what I felt was justified force in restraining the left arm and bending it backwards to his center back where one LEO grabbed it and totally restrained this violent person. One of the LEO's was cut on his arm/hand. No injuries to any crew or passengers. A police unit arrived and removed this individual. I thanked the folks for their patience and all passengers deplaned normally. Information was exchanged with the existing Police Officers; Ops; and the main office of the Police Department in later cell calls.
Airline Captain reports being informed of a disgruntled passenger who is apparently under the influence. His two seat mates are moved to other seats and the flight continues to destination. At top of descent he enters the lavatory and will not return to his seat initially but eventually complies. Law enforcement is asked to meet the aircraft and the individual is cuffed and transported after a big scuffle in the jetway.