Man who tried to stop Denver plane to make HS reunion is sentenced

DENVER - A man has been sentenced after he tried to stop a plane from departing at Denver International Airport in August, reports CBS Denver.

Marc Rehmar had been charged with endangering public transportation and hindering transportation, after an incident in which authorities said he pushed open a secure emergency exit on the concourse and ran out onto the ramp area to try to stop a plane that was being pushed back from the gate.

On Monday, the 58-year-old accepted a plea deal, in which the first two charges against him were dismissed. Instead, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of misdemeanor tampering. A judge sentenced Rehmar to two years of probation and 100 hours of public service.

CBS Denver reports that the incident happened around 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 6, when Rehmar tampered with the jetway door. The door triggered an alarm and airport employees and Denver police officers responded immediately. In court, a prosecutor for the case told the judge this was an "especially dangerous act."

Authorities said Rehmar had apparently missed his flight to a high school reunion and was trying to stop the plane.

After making his was down the jetway, Rehmar made contact with a tug truck driver, who was already backing the plane away from the gate, according to statements made in court. The judge said Rehmar told the truck driver that this was his plane and asked if he could board. The truck driver replied "What are you doing?"

CBS Denver reports that Rehmar's defense attorney told the judge the flight crew had closed the plane door early, and that Rehmar is "incredibly embarrassed and sorry that this happened." Rehmar apologized for his actions.

"This is kind of a doozie," the judge said. "We've all" had bad travel days, and that he's never before seen a case like this."

The judge also said that he seemed like a good man. And that one night already spent in jail probably has done more for him than others.

"Who saved the screwing up for one glorious incident," the judge said.

In taking the plea agreement, Rehmar avoided additional jail time.

Rehmar's attorney told the judge her client is also facing a civil fine of $11,000 from the Transportation Security Administration.