Alaska flight from Everett diverted to Portland due to ‘credible security threat’

PORTLAND, Ore. — A flight from Everett to San Francisco was diverted to Portland Sunday night after an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot attempted to shut down the Horizon Air passenger jet’s engines in the cockpit.

The Port of Portland Police Department, which serves as law enforcement for Portland International Airport, said it arrested Joseph David Emerson, 44, who faces 83 charges of attempted murder, a charge of endangering an aircraft and several other charges of reckless endangerment. He was authorized to sit in the jump seat — an extra seat in the cockpit — according to Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon.

“The jump seat occupant unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines,” Alaska Airlines said via statement. “The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.”

One of the pilots can be heard speaking with air traffic controllers in audio provided by LiveATC.net.

We’ve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit, and he doesn’t sound like he’s causing any issue in the back right now,” the pilot said. “I think he’s subdued.

The flight from Seattle Paine Field International Airport in Everett to San Francisco was diverted to Portland International Airport where it landed safely. Alaska Airlines said in a statement the crew “secured the aircraft without incident.” No weapons were involved, the Seattle-based airline added.

According to booking information from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Emerson was taken into custody and booked into jail just after 4 a.m. Monday.

The FBI, which was assigned the case, said no injuries were reported and “there is no continuing threat related to this incident.”

“Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from Air Traffic Control, the flight was safely diverted to Portland International Airport,” Alaska Airlines said in its statement. “The jump seat occupant is currently in custody and the event is being investigated by law enforcement authorities, which includes the FBI and the Port of Portland Police Department.

“All passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight. We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests’ calm and patience throughout this event.”

According to Alaska Airlines’ website, the flight was scheduled to depart at 5:25 p.m. and arrive at 7:30 p.m. It eventually took off from Portland at 7:18 p.m. and landed in San Francisco at 9:02 p.m., according to the airline.

The incident occurred on a 76-seat Embraer 175 plane, The Associated Press reports.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.