Couple arrested after trying to force their way onto American Airlines plane, officials say
A couple who allegedly tried to force their way onto a plane at the Miami International Airport and attacked two airline employees has been arrested on felony charges in connection to the assault.
Authorities responded to the gate of a departing American Airlines flight from Miami to Cancun for a report of two disruptive customers on Sunday, an American Airlines spokesperson said.
According to a Miami Dade Sheriff's Office arrest report, two passengers who were late for a flight attempted to board the plane but were denied entry and "became irate."
The sheriff office identified the pair as Rafael Seirafe-Novaes, 40, and Beatriz Rapoport De Campos Maia, 29, both of Belize.
Woman accused of throwing coffee on American Airlines employees
The pair ignored signs and verbal instructions from ticket agents and pushed their way onto the jet bridge, the arrest report states. Maia also threw coffee on the agents, according to her arrest report.
Seirafe-Novaes was charged with two counts of battery, resisting an officer without violence, and trespassing. Maia was charged with two counts of battery and trespassing.
"Acts of violence are not tolerated by American Airlines and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation," American released in a statement to Paste BN Tuesday.
It was not immediately known whether the pair had obtained an attorney in the case.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.