Man threatened to blow up flight to Chicago over medication issues, forcing Detroit landing: federal complaint

A passenger on an American Airlines flight from New York to Chicago has been charged with making a false bomb threat that forced an emergency landing at Detroit Metro Airport last month. The passenger admitted to making the threat during a breakdown over medication issues, saying he believed forcing the plane to land would prevent harm to others.

Jason Douglas Pazol threatened to blow up American Airlines Flight 2819 on March 29, telling fellow passengers and crew, "I will blow this f***ing plane up," court records state, and "I swear to God, I am going to do something terrible."

The aircraft was carrying more than 150 passengers and crew when the incident occurred. The flight crew initiated bomb threat protocol after hearing the threat and diverted the plane to Detroit Metro Airport, where it was isolated for a full security check, according to an FBI affidavit filed with the complaint.

All passengers were removed, and law enforcement searched the aircraft and luggage for explosives. None were found. Flight 2819 was canceled following the incident, forcing all passengers to find alternate travel, the affidavit states.

Pazol admitted to making the threat in an interview with the FBI. He told investigators he was having problems with his medication and was experiencing "racing thoughts" that led to a breakdown, according to the affidavit. Pazol said he believed other passengers were not safe around him and that forcing the plane to land would prevent harm, the affidavit states.

Video of the incident reviewed by investigators shows Pazol sitting with his head in his hands while a woman, possibly his wife, was speaking with crew members about his medication, according to the affidavit. Pazol then began yelling at passengers and crew.

The FBI arrested Pazol on March 29 and took him to a hospital for evaluation, the affidavit states.

"I know why people say stuff like that," the affidavit says Pazol later admitted. "I know why people say, 'Get this f***ing plane on the ground,' and 'Blow it up,' because that's what people do to get planes landed. Not because I want the plane landed, but because I am f***ing sick."

Pazol is charged with conveying false or misleading information. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Stafford signed the criminal complaint on March 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

"The incident should be viewed no differently from a physical emergency. (Pazol) is currently receiving mental health treatment and is essentially allowing the medication to work its way through his system," Pazol's attorney told CBS Chicago. "Jason has no criminal history or mental health problems. He is a long time and well loved schoolteacher, husband and father. The prosecutor will allow him to receive treatment and will explore a resolution that considers the unique circumstances."