A Frontier Airlines flight traveling from San Juan to Chicago was forced to divert late Sunday after a passenger allegedly tried to open an emergency exit door, approached the cockpit and later attacked an off-duty flight attendant during a chaotic midair incident.

Flight 3345 had departed Puerto Rico bound for Chicago-O’Hare International Airport when authorities say the disturbance began approximately 45 minutes after takeoff.

Passenger Allegedly Attempted To Open Emergency Exit Door

According to police records and federal court documents, 51-year-old Juan Gabriel Reyes became disruptive during the flight, reportedly saying he wanted to get off the aircraft while attempting to open one of the emergency exit doors.

After crew members prevented him from opening the door, investigators say Reyes moved toward the front of the aircraft and began aggressively pushing his shoulder against the cockpit door.

Flight attendants intervened and escorted him away from the area as tensions onboard continued escalating.

While being returned toward his seat, Reyes was permitted to use the restroom, where investigators say he attempted to urinate on the bathroom floor.

Off-Duty Flight Attendant Allegedly Attacked During Confrontation

Authorities say Reyes was relocated to another seat after the disturbance.

An off-duty flight attendant volunteered to sit nearby to help monitor the situation. According to investigators, after the crew member moved his belongings and briefly went to the restroom, Reyes allegedly attempted to grab the man’s bag from the floor.

Federal investigators say the confrontation quickly escalated when the off-duty crew member asked Reyes to stop and moved across the aisle.

According to court documents, Reyes allegedly climbed on top of the man, grabbed his head and choked him.

Nearby passengers immediately rushed to assist crew members as the incident unfolded.

Passengers Helped Restrain Suspect As Aircraft Diverted

Several passengers worked alongside flight attendants to restrain Reyes using flex cuffs and seatbelt extenders, according to investigators.

Authorities say Reyes broke free from restraints multiple times before passengers and crew members successfully secured him.

The aircraft ultimately diverted to Miami International Airport, landing shortly before midnight local time.

Law enforcement officers boarded the aircraft upon arrival and took Reyes into custody before transferring him to federal investigators.

Flight Later Resumed Trip To Chicago

Frontier Airlines said the aircraft later continued its scheduled route to Chicago after several hours on the ground.

Federal court records show Reyes has been charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants as well as assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction.