Man Arrested on Charge of Interference wth a Flight Crew

Port of Portland Police officers detained and FBI agents arrested Alexander Michael Herrera, age 23, on a charge of interfering with a flight crew after he allegedly attempted to open an emergency exit row door during his plane’s descent into Portland International Airport. The flight, Alaska Airlines #132, was on its descent into PDX at approximately 5:20 a.m. on Monday, May 27, when the incident occurred. Passengers and crew members interviewed by Port of Portland Police officers said the man made unusual statements prior to the incident and then attempted to open the door. Passengers and crew subdued the man, and they restrained him until they landed and Port officers boarded the plane. No one was injured.

The flight originated in Anchorage, Alaska. Investigators believe Herrera is from Arizona.

Herrera is being booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center, and he will likely make his initial appearance on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, before a federal magistrate in Portland.