Retired Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara Helps Subdue Unruly United Airlines Passenger

On United Airlines Flight 1364 from Newark to Fort Lauderdale, a passenger became belligerent after flight attendants refused to serve him additional alcohol. The crew spent about 45 minutes attempting to de‑escalate the situation.

Retired Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, traveling with his wife, joined two off‑duty Bergen County sheriff’s deputies to restrain the man. The three used plastic flex cuffs to secure the passenger in his seat, allowing flight attendants to resume their duties and the aircraft to land safely in Fort Lauderdale.

Local law‑enforcement officials, including the Broward Sheriff’s Office, met the plane upon arrival to take custody of the passenger.