⏱ 2 min read
On January 7, 2025, Angel Luis Morales Torres, a 25-year-old Puerto Rican man, sparked chaos on a JetBlue flight preparing for takeoff from Boston to Puerto Rico. As the aircraft taxied down the runway, Morales suddenly stood up, sprinted down the aisle, and attempted to open the emergency exit door. Despite a flight attendant’s efforts to restrain him, Morales managed to open the door, deploying the emergency inflatable slide and rendering the aircraft inoperable.
The incident occurred while the plane was still on the ground, and Morales was eventually tackled by another passenger. The actions of Morales caused significant damage to the aircraft, totaling approximately $60,000.
Morales pleaded guilty to one count of damaging or disabling an aircraft in May 2026. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge F. Dennis Saylor to one year of probation and ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, with special assistance provided by the Massachusetts State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Criminal Division.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Massachusetts
- Location: MA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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