Key takeaways:
- Joseph David Emerson, 44, was indicted on 83 misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person, and one felony count of first-degree endangering aircraft
- Emerson told authorities he was on “magic mushrooms” and struggled with depression and lack of sleep when the incident occurred
- The incident occurred on October 19th, when Emerson allegedly attempted to shut off the engines of a Horizon Air flight
An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who allegedly attempted to shut off a passenger jet’s engines during an October flight has been indicted on 84 charges in Portland, Oregon.
Joseph David Emerson, 44, was indicted on 83 misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person, and one felony count of first-degree endangering aircraft, according to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
The former Alaska Airlines pilot had previously pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges filed by state prosecutors and to a federal charge of interfering with a flight crew.
Emerson told authorities he was on “magic mushrooms” and struggled with depression and lack of sleep when the incident occurred. He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday on the 84 endangerment charges.
The incident occurred on October 19th, when Emerson allegedly attempted to shut off the engines of a Horizon Air flight. He was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
The District Attorney’s Office said it had decided to pursue the lesser charges after reviewing the evidence and consulting with the victims.
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