The former Alaska Airlines pilot who allegedly tried to shut down the engines of a passenger flight hugged his wife tightly after posting bail Thursday.
Joseph Emerson was released from jail after pleading not guilty to reckless endangerment charges during a court appearance Thursday, although Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Ryan warned him to stay away from airplanes before of his judgment.
Joseph Emerson, left, appears in Multnomah County Circuit Court for an arraignment hearing in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday. AP
The California man was ordered not to come within 30 feet of an operating aircraft, as well as undergo mental health services and not use drugs or alcohol.
The 44-year-old was initially charged with more serious charges of attempted murder after he attempted to activate the plane’s two fire extinguisher handles, designed to cut off the fuel supply and shut down both engines, in the middle of the Everett trip. , Washington to San Francisco, California, in October, authorities said.
Emerson’s wife, Sarah Stretch (center), and his attorney Noah Horst (center right), speak to reporters after the arraignment hearing. AP
Emerson, who was off-duty and traveling in the cabin in an extra seat, was quickly detained and the plane diverted to Portland, Oregon.
Emerson told police after his arrest that he had been struggling with depression and took psychedelic mushrooms about 48 hours before trying to shut down the plane’s engines, according to prosecuting doctors.
He also allegedly said he had not slept in the 40 hours before the flight.
The off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to shut down a plane’s engines mid-flight just walked out of jail after a judge granted him bail today. pic.twitter.com/la5qo9mSwV
– Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) December 8, 2023
He also pleaded not guilty to a federal charge linked to the case and had to pay $5,000 to be released.
Footage posted to social media by an ABC News reporter Thursday night showed Emerson and his wife Sarah Stretch hugging as he held two paper bags in his hands and buried his face in her shoulder.
He then went to hug other loved ones before everyone left the jail lobby.
The defendant is a former Alaska Airlines pilot. fake images
Before the warm reunion, Stretch said she was happy her husband was coming home.
After the arraignment, he told reporters that he believes the case is raising awareness about the issue of pilots’ mental health.
“I am saddened that this situation happened to my husband and the people affected,” Stretch said. “But I know this has created a movement and momentum to help thousands of other pilots.”
He was off duty at the time of the incident. José Emerson/Facebook
One of his defense attorneys, Noah Horst, does not believe his client should be held criminally responsible because he did not consciously choose to endanger about 80 passengers.
“Need help? Yes,” she told reporters. “Does Mr. Emerson deserve to be at home today with his family and surrounded by his friends? Yes he does.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn