Eric Nicholas Gapco, a 26-year-old New Jersey resident, faces charges for disruptive and dangerous behavior on American Airlines flight AA2101.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah reports Gapco assaulted crew members and attempted to open exterior doors mid-flight on July 18.
The Seattle to Dallas flight diverted to Salt Lake City International Airport due to Gapco’s actions. He ignored instructions to remain seated, sexually propositioned a flight attendant, and repeatedly disturbed other passengers.
Gapco’s behavior escalated as he used a vape device, locked himself in the lavatory, and made multiple attempts to open the aircraft’s exterior doors while airborne.
Flight crew members and passengers restrained Gapco with flexible restraints on his hands and feet during the flight. Law enforcement arrested him upon landing in Salt Lake City.
The case is under investigation by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and Salt Lake City Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting, emphasizing the federal nature of crimes committed on aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has intensified efforts to address unruly passenger behavior. Since late 2021, the FAA and FBI have collaborated to refer over 270 severe cases for criminal prosecution.
The FAA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with airline crew members. To reinforce this policy, the agency can impose civil penalties of up to $37,000 per violation, serving as a strong deterrent against disruptive behavior.
