Off-duty officers restrained violent passenger on Gatwick flight
Three off-duty Sussex Police officers have been recognised for their bravery, after restraining a violent passenger during a flight from Tenerife to Gatwick.
Sussex Police said PC Andre Owen, PC Tara Bernard and Special Constable Julius Gudaitis were nominated for a Police Federation Bravery Award after helping to bring a 'frightening mid-air emergency' under control on March 13, 2023.
The officers happened to be travelling on the same flight when a ‘severely intoxicated passenger’ allegedly launched into a ‘violent outburst’. Police said this endangered his wife, fellow passengers and the cabin crew.
According to Sussex Police, the man became ‘increasingly aggressive’, shouting at flight attendants and causing alarm among those on board.
"Around two hours into the journey, matters escalated dramatically when he attacked his wife, dragging her by the hair across the aisle and forcing her into a seat,” a police spokesperson said.
"PC Owen immediately stepped in to protect the woman and reassure frightened passengers. PC Owen was soon joined by PC Bernard, who was heavily pregnant at the time, and Special Constable Gudaitis, who attempted to communicate with the man in his language to calm him. Despite their attempts at de-escalation, his behaviour only became more volatile. Cabin crew provided restraints, and together the team worked to secure him safely in the confined space of the aircraft.”
Over the remaining 90 minutes of the flight, the man ‘repeatedly tried to headbutt those restraining him’, police said.
They added: “He repeatedly struck PC Owen and SC Gudaitis, though thankfully not causing serious injury.
“The captain considered diverting the flight to Lisbon. The officers assessed the risks carefully, weighing the safety of passengers, the likelihood of further escalation and the logistics of landing with a violent, restrained individual. Confident they could contain the situation; they advised that the flight could continue safely to Gatwick.
“When the plane landed, officers were waiting on the ground to arrest the man.”
Police said the passengers, ‘though shaken’, were unharmed ‘thanks to the calm and decisive actions of the officers’.
PC Bernard said: "Policing isn't an easy profession, particularly in today's climate. Officers don't do the job for the awards, we do it to help people, but being recognised for doing something while out of uniform that got people home safely, I am genuinely proud of."
Special Constable Gudaitis added: "I feel absolutely delighted and deeply appreciative to receive recognition. I am very grateful to the colleagues, their professionalism and competence shown, which is second to none."
PC Owen said: "Three to four hours fighting someone at 30,000 ft was exhausting. The improvisation without any equipment was a challenge, I was just pleased we got everyone home safely, safeguarded the victim and the suspect was arrested."
Sussex Police said the three officers were among more than 100 officers from 39 police forces recognised at the National Police Federation Bravery Awards ceremony in London on Thursday (July 9).
Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: "A police officer's duty to protect the public does not end when they take off their uniform.
"The actions of these three officers demonstrate the dedication to public service that my colleagues deliver every single day, often unseen.
"Their quick-thinking and courage undoubtedly saved this victim from further harm, and ensured other passengers and crew were also protected.
"The brave member of the public and the cabin crew must also be commended for their roles in taking control of a clearly challenging situation.
"I am proud to have officers such as these serving in Sussex Police, representing the thousands of colleagues who do such outstanding work in our communities every day."