Charges against man who forced flight diversion to Oklahoma

TULSA, Okla. – Investigators say charges have been filed against a man whose screaming and threats aboard a Delta Air Lines flight prompted an emergency landing in Oklahoma.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tulsa says 29-year-old Bolutife Olorunda of Vancouver, Washington, was charged Thursday with interference with flight crew members and attendants.

Court records don’t list a defence attorney. He’s scheduled to appear in court later Thursday.

The FBI alleges Olorunda was loudly singing and screaming Wednesday during a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Atlanta. The FBI says he ignored and threatened a flight attendant who tried to quiet him.

The pilot declared an emergency and diverted to Tulsa as two U.S. air marshals controlled Olorunda on the plane.

Officials say none of the 172 passengers and six crew members was injured. The flight eventually continued to Atlanta.