Man who jumped down plane's slide with dog at LaGuardia said PTSD prompted the move

WABC logo
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Man says PTSD from jail time caused him to use airplane's slide at airport
During the flight's taxi-out at LaGuardia, two people and a service dog apparently opened the cabin door and left the plane via the slide.

EAST ELMHURST, Queens (WABC) -- Two people opened a cabin door and exited a plane via the emergency slide at LaGuardia Airport on Monday morning.

Delta Airlines Flight 462 was headed to Atlanta and was taxiing out when the incident occurred.

Officials with Delta said a party of two opened the door and exited through the slide with a service dog.

ALSO READ | Concern mounting after EMT who helped man with COVID-like symptoms on United flight falls ill

The plane then returned to the gate where other passengers deplaned and were put on alternate flights.

The plane was checked by maintenance technicians after the incident before being returned to service.

The passengers were later identified as 31-year-old Antonio Murdock and 23-year-old Brianna Greco, both of Florida.

Authorities say Murdock claimed post traumatic stress prompted him and his female companion to grab their service dog and jump down the emergency slide.

Murdock is charged with second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree reckless endangerment, and third-degree criminal trespass, while Greco is charged with third-degree criminal trespass.

TRENDING: Hiker recalls rescuing injured bald eagle before snow storm

A hiker in Connecticut recalled his close encounter with an injured bald eagle and his comical effort to rescue it before Wednesday's snowstorm.

The small dog, named Rain, was turned over to Animal Care and Control and was expected to be returned to the owner.

Murdock claimed PTSD from time in jail for a previous robbery was triggered by the confined space on the plane.

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New York City news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a News Tip