A U.S. Marine Corps reportedly returned to states from Tokyo, Japan, quickly stepped in and knocked a man to the ground and restrained him with a zipper tie, allegedly grasping the emergency exit door in the middle of the flight.
NBC reported Major Jody Armentrout was flying from Tokyo to Houston on Flight 114 when he saw a man acting suspiciously.
Marines, who have been stationed in Japan for more than 20 years, told the media company that he witnessed a suspicious man bringing his backpack to a bathroom and then going from the bathroom to the bathroom, he told the media company.
“He came out of that guy and started going up and down the aisle and threw my radar,” the 50-year-old Marine reportedly said in a telephone interview.
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Sergeant Major Jody Armentrout reportedly stepped in to restrict a Nippon Airways flight, and he allegedly tried to open the emergency door. (US Marine Corps)
ArmentRout said the man was looking at the emergency exit door next to him, when the Marines quickly stood up and placed themselves between the man and the door.
The suspicious man turned around and ran around the plane before flying to the exit door on the other side of the plane.
ArmentRout told the station that he had only a few seconds of action.
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All Japanese Airlines operated jets awaited maintenance at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan on July 17, 2009. (iStock)
“He grabbed a belt on the door and pulled it away, about that time when I took him to slam him and put him on the ground,” he said. “And then an older gentleman woke up and he got up and helped me.”
The flight attendant also stepped in and handed the ocean zipper tie, which he reportedly used to restrict the man's wrist and secure him to his seat.
For the rest of the flight, ArmentRout sat next to the man.
The flight was transferred to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
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A passenger on a Nippon Airways allegedly tried to open the emergency door. (iStock)
“His eyes…you can definitely say what happened,” Arendtrout said.
The FBI confirmed the incident and, together with the Seattle Port Police Department, responded to Nippon flight 114 a.m. Saturday.
“Flying to Seattle because passengers tried to open an exit in the middle of the flight,” the FBI said. “The crew and passengers restricted the individual who was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation after the flight.
The FBI also said a second person was evacuated from the flight after being frustrated by the flight transfer and slamming the bathroom door.
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The FBI's Seattle office told Fox News numbers that the flight from Tokyo to Houston was moved to Seattle. (Getty Image)
The flight stopped in Seattle and landed in Houston without further incidents.
The FBI said no charges were filed in the incident.
Prosecutors are reviewing reports and witness statements to determine whether the case is suitable for federal prosecution.
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Nippon Airways told Fox News Digital that the flight was transferred due to “unruly” passengers.
“On the Seattle apron, the second passenger became unruly,” the airline said. “The Seattle ports both were evacuated from the flight.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority and we appreciate the support of local law enforcement.”
