NEWARK, NJ — A Passaic County man was arrested for threatening flight attendants, harassing passengers, and attempting to breach the cockpit during a flight from Miami to Newark, federal authorities announced.
Luis A. Vaquero, 27, was charged with one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation. He appeared in Newark federal court before Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams and was released.
According to court documents, Vaquero began making threats shortly after takeoff on February 9, 2025, including threatening a disabled minor and mocking Jewish passengers. When a flight attendant refused to serve him alcohol, he allegedly warned her, “You better watch out, shit’s gonna happen to you.”
Upon landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, Vaquero forced his way to the front of the plane, banged on the cockpit door, and demanded, “I need the pilot to come outside!” He then shouted racial slurs and threatened the captain before law enforcement intervened.
“We are committed to keeping the skies safe for flying and will prosecute those who criminally interfere with the professionals responsible for ensuring passenger safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
