Defendant Struck Fear in Passengers

An Oswego man has been sentenced for Interference with Flight Crew Members in a disturbing incident on a Southwest Airlines flight.

Crime Scene: Chicago to Sacramento Flight

The incident occurred on a Southwest Airlines flight from Chicago Midway International Airport to Sacramento International Airport on April 13, 2014.

Defendant’s Actions Sparked Panic

Joshua Carl Lee Suggs, 24, of Oswego, Illinois, approached a flight attendant and attempted to open the exterior door of the aircraft, sparking panic among passengers.

‘He is trying to open the door’ and ‘we’re going to die’ were among the screams heard by a flight attendant as passengers tried to subdue Suggs.

Suggs pushed past the flight attendant after being asked to take his seat a second time, attempting to open the aircraft door in the aft galley.

Flight Diverted to Omaha’s Eppley Airfield

As a result of Suggs’ actions, the Captain contacted the Federal Aviation Administration and declared an emergency, requesting to divert the flight to Omaha’s Eppley Airfield.

Suggs Sentenced to 6 Months and 23 Days, $4,400 in Restitution

On April 17, 2015, Suggs was sentenced by the Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, Senior United States District Court Judge, to the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons for 6 months and 23 days, time he has already served.

Suggs will immediately begin a three-year term of supervised release and pay restitution to Southwest Airlines in the amount of $4,400.00.

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