Sacramento Man Removed From Plane Pleads Not Guilty

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A man removed from a Southwest Airlines aircraft in Omaha after he allegedly tried to open a door during the flight has pleaded not guilty to charges and will undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Thalken says a federal grand jury returned an indictment against 23-year-old Joshua Carl Suggs, of Sacramento, Calif. He will be evaluated then returned to federal court for a competency hearing.

Suggs has been charged with interfering with a flight crew in connection to the April 13 incident. The California-bound flight was diverted to Omaha after Suggs allegedly pushed his way past a flight attendant and tried to open a door. Several passengers helped restrain him.

Suggs' attorney, James Martin Davis, requested the evaluation. He says his client needs help.

Southwest Airlines