Former Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara says he helped restrain a disruptive passenger on United Flight 1364 from Newark to Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 5 after the man allegedly lunged at flight attendants. O'Hara and two other passengers—later identified as Bergen County deputies—used plastic flex cuffs to secure the passenger until Broward County deputies met the plane. The man, identified as 36-year-old Daniel Borman of Springfield, N.J., was arrested for disorderly public intoxication, posted a $150 bond and was released.
Ex-Minneapolis Police Chief Intervenes to Restrain Passenger Who Allegedly Lunged at Flight Attendants Mid-Flight
L: A United Airlines plane; R: Former Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'HaraCredit: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty; Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via Getty
Former Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara says he helped restrain an unruly passenger who allegedly lunged at flight attendants aboard United Airlines Flight 1364 on Aug. 5.
O'Hara, who was traveling with his wife, Lt. Wafiyyah O'Hara of the Newark Police Department, says the flight departed Newark Liberty International Airport and was en route to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport when crew members encountered a disruptive passenger. According to O'Hara and a Broward County Sheriff's Office probable cause affidavit, the man repeatedly berated flight attendants, attempted to leave his seat and became increasingly erratic after crew members refused to serve him more alcohol.
Signage for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in FloridaCredit: Shutterstock
What happened on board: O'Hara told reporters that flight attendants spent roughly 45 minutes attempting to de-escalate the situation. He praised their professionalism, then said the passenger "finally... got up and lunged towards them," prompting O'Hara and two other passengers to intervene. The three passengers — O'Hara and two off-duty officers later identified as members of the Bergen County Sheriff's Office — used plastic flex cuffs to restrain the man and return him to his seat until local law enforcement met the aircraft.
United Airlines confirmed that local authorities met Flight 1364 on arrival in Fort Lauderdale. The carrier said there were 174 passengers on board along with two pilots and four flight attendants. Deputies who took custody of the passenger reported that he had glassy, watery eyes and smelled of alcohol, according to the affidavit.
Former Minneapolis police chief Brian O'HaraCredit: Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty
The passenger was later identified in court records as 36-year-old Daniel Borman of Springfield, N.J. Deputies say that while escorting him to the roadside departure area, he shouted on a public sidewalk, "I f---ing did nothing wrong, I did nothing wrong." He was arrested on a charge of disorderly public intoxication, transported to the Broward County main jail, and posted a $150 bond the following day.
Lt. Wafiyyah O'Hara posted a video of the in-flight restraint to Facebook and praised those who helped. "Proud of my husband today," she wrote. "Leadership isn't just about the job you hold, it's about being willing to help when others need it. Grateful everyone on board arrived safely."
Context and Safety
The incident highlights the challenges flight crews face in maintaining safety and calm on board, especially when alcohol is involved. Airline staff are trained to de-escalate disruptive behavior and have the authority to refuse service; when a passenger becomes a threat to crew or others, law enforcement typically meets the flight upon landing.
Sources: Statements from Brian O'Hara and Lt. Wafiyyah O'Hara; Broward County Sheriff's Office probable cause affidavit; United Airlines spokesperson.
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