Port Authority police say Troy Fattun, 25, of Micronesia opened the emergency exit and slid down the inflated chute.
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It happened Sunday night at around 10 p.m. Police say they responded to the report of a disorderly passenger aboard United Flight 1640 bound for Tampa, Florida.
Fattun, a U.S. national, was immediately detained upon landing on the ground and charges against him are pending.
As a result, the flight and all aboard were delayed. The flight finally departed at 12:09 a.m. and arrived in Tampa at 2:51 a.m.
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United Airlines released a statement:
"While Flight 1640 was parked at the gate at Newark Liberty International Airport, a passenger opened the emergency exit door and departed the aircraft using the slide. Following an aircraft swap, the flight departed for Tampa at 12:09 a.m. local time."
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