KENNER, La. — Correction: An earlier version of this story mistakenly attributed confirmation of the passenger's arrest to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Neither a confirmation was received nor an arrest was made. The passenger was only detained. WWL Louisiana sincerely apologizes to JPSO, the passenger and our audience for the error.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said a man at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, allegedly escaped through the emergency hatch and ran out onto the tarmac Sunday night.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:41 p.m. while the plane was still parked at the terminal and had yet to push back from the Concourse B gate for takeoff.
Witnesses told media that the man opened the over-wing emergency exit door aboard a Southwest Airlines flight, jumped down off the plane, and ran across the tarmac in an attempt to drive away in a service truck before being stopped by authorities.
According to the JPSO, the 38-year-old man believed to be from Atlanta was incoherent and not fully aware of his surroundings. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation and remains hospitalized at this time.
Southwest Airlines released the following statement to WWL Louisiana regarding the incident:
"We commend our flight and ground crews for their swift action and apologize to our customers for their inconvenience."
The flight was canceled following the incident.
At this time, no criminal charges are expected locally. However, JPSO said the investigation has been referred to federal authorities.
No one was injured.
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