Who is Joseph Emerson? Off-duty pilot faces 83 charges of attempted murder for allegedly trying to shut down aircraft's engines
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON: Joseph David Emerson from Pleasant Hill, California, was taken into custody on Monday, October 23 after he allegedly tried to kill the engines mid-flight.
Following the incident on an Alaska Airlines flight, the suspect who is a pilot and was off-duty at the time, was slapped with 83 charges of attempted murder, reports the New York Post.
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How did Joseph Emerson attempt to shut the flight's engines?
On Monday, the Portland International Airport's law enforcement agency Port of Portland Police in Oregon arrested Emerson and booked him at around 4 am, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.
The 44-year-old man is accused of endangering passengers and crew on Flight 2059 from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California.
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According to the outlet, records suggested that the suspect who had reportedly been seated in the flight deck jump seat of the plane was an authorized occupant of the craft's cockpit.
Subsequently, it was confirmed that he was an off-duty pilot during the flight.
What was Joseph Emerson's motive behind the alleged attempt to shut down flight engines?
In a statement issued following the incident, Alaska Airlines stated that the off-duty pilot "unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines."
As per an audio obtained by Portland news station KATU, the flight's pilot said, "We've got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit, and he doesn't sound like he's causing any issue in the back right now."
"I think he's subdued," he added. Emerson's motive behind his attempt remains unknown.
What are the remaining charges against Joseph Emerson?
Including 83 charges of attempted murder which in Oregon would require the convict to serve a mandatory sentence of 7.5 years per count, Emerson also faces one count of endangering an aircraft and other charges for reckless endangerment.
FBI takes over Joseph Emerson's case
The case of Emerson who currently remains in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland has been taken over by the FBI, according to the Port of Portland Police.
In a statement to Seattle's KOMO News, Alaska Airlines stated that the company's subsidiary, Horizon Air operated Flight 2059.
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"On October 22, Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 operated by Horizon Air from Everett, WA (PAE) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) reported a credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat," read the airline's statement.
"The crew secured the aircraft without incident. Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from air traffic control, the flight was safely diverted to Portland International Airport. The event is being investigated by law enforcement authorities," the statement added.
"We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests' calm and patience throughout this event," the statement concluded.