Feds charge man in Alaska Airlines hijacking hoax
Feb 21, 2013, 11:10 AM | Updated: 11:42 am
An Alaska Airlines flight was escorted by two fighter jets after a false report of a hijacking was called in, in January. (Image courtesy Facebook - Alaska Airlines)
(Image courtesy Facebook - Alaska Airlines)
Authorities have brought charges against a 58-year-old man in connection with a false report that led to a fighter jet escort for an Alaska Airlines flight in January.
Two F-15 jets were called in from the Oregon National Guard to ensure that Flight 819 from Kona, Hawaii to Seattle, landed safely after the threat was called in.
The U.S. District Court in Honolulu has charged Timothy Hershman, 58, with making the false report.
The feds claim Hershman called the airline saying a man on board planned to hijack the plane. When that man was met by the FBI in Seattle, he said he had no idea what the agents were talking about and was questioned and released.
Federal officials began an investigation and determined the threat was a hoax.
Hershman could face a five-year prison sentence.
