Massachusetts man accused of trying to stab a flight attendant is being held at Wyatt
CENTRALL FALLS, R.I. (WJAR) — A Massachusetts man accused of causing a disturbance on a Boston-bound plane over the weekend is being held at Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls.
The facility confirmed that Francisco Severo Torres, of Leominister, is being held there, but would not comment any further.
A spokesperson for Wyatt says Torres has been a detainee since Monday.
Torres is accused of trying to open an emergency door of a planeheaded to Boston on Sunday and then attempting to stab a flight attendant with a broken spoon.
The chaotic incident went viral when video taken by a Rhode Island woman from inside the plane circulated nationally.
Torres was arrested Sunday at Boston Logan International Airport once the plane landed.
Prosecutors allege Torres told authorities he wanted to open the door so that he could jump out of the plane. But, the Federal Aviation Administration interim chair said that was impossible.
"Let me just say sir that on a pressurized flight, this is a plug type door, so it is over-pressurized. He would not have been able to open the door," said Billy Nolen, acting Federal Aviation Administration chief.
Torres is charged with interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon. It has a potential for a life sentence and a $250,000 fine.
Torres will appear in U.S. District Court in Boston Thursday afternoon for a detention hearing.
NBC 10's Cal Dymowski contributed to this report.