Man facing several charges following flight into Hamilton: police

A flight into the Hamilton International Airport on Thursday ended with an arrest, with police saying they’ve laid several charges against a 54-year-old man.

During the flight from Cayo Coco, Cuba, Hamilton police say the man who has not been identified, made continued threats to flight staff in a manner they say endangered flight safety.

The incident, officers say, stemmed from the consumption of alcohol and the desire for a cigarette mid-flight.

As the disturbance continued, police say multiple passengers intervened to assist staff until authorities were able to handle the situation. Despite the “unsettling circumstances”, no one on board required medical treatment.

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Police say the flight landed around 3 p.m. and the passenger, who has not been identified at this time, was arrested a short time after.

Thus far, officers say the man has been charged with common nuisance endangering life, assault in an aircraft, and causing a disturbance.

Air Transat and John C. Munro Airport told CHCH News the incident did not cause any delays.

CHCH News spoke with a man who says he is the passenger’s brother who has identified the passenger as Shawn Des Jardins.

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Hamilton Police and John C. Munro Airport say incidents involving unruly and disruptive passengers in highly uncommon.

Though incidents such as this have risen internationally, the association says the rate per one thousand flights in 2022.

Const. Krista Lee Ernest of Hamilton police tells CHCH News the first two charges are rare and have a high bar to be laid.

The accused appeared in court today for a bail hearing and is facing multiple charges.