Passenger is charged in Denver with disrupting crew of diverted flight

Passenger charged in Denver with disrupting crew

DENVER — A passenger on a diverted AirTran Airways flight accused of becoming unruly after he was refused more alcohol was charged Wednesday with interfering with a flight crew.

Muhammad Abu Tahir, 47, appeared in federal court with an interpreter.

Tahir did not officially enter a plea but said “no” after the interpreter repeated the allegations read by the judge.

“No, sir, you don’t need to say anything now,” U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Tafoya replied, explaining the hearing was only intended to advise him of the charge.

He then answered “yes” when asked if he understood the charge.

Authorities said Tahir, who lives in Glen Allen, Va., became disruptive on a flight Jan. 8 from Atlanta to San Francisco. Two military jets were sent to tail the plane that was diverted to Colorado Springs by its captain.

The plane was one of two commercial flights diverted that day amid heightened concern over airline security after a Nigerian man allegedly tried to blow up a Detroit-bound Northwest Airlines plane on Christmas Day.

The incident began when Tahir asked for more wine after downing three mini-bottles on the flight, according to an affidavit by an FBI agent.

Initially refused more alcohol, he was later given another bottle of wine, which he drank while standing in the galley, authorities said.

After drinking a fifth bottle in his seat, Tahir went to the bathroom.

Authorities said he opened the bathroom door to place his shoes and socks outside and again to reveal he was shaving with no shirt on.

The affidavit said he refused requests by flight attendants to leave the lavatory and started yelling that he was being disrespected.

Tahir also grabbed the arms and hands of a senior flight attendant who at one point was trying to calm him, authorities said.

Authorities said Tahir stayed in the bathroom when the plane landed.

Originally from Pakistan, Tahir is a permanent U.S. resident.

He could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. There is no mandatory minimum sentence.

A federal public defender was appointed to represent Tahir. Preliminary and bond hearings were scheduled for Friday.