A former Alaska Airlines pilot who allegedly tried to shut off a passenger plane’s engine hugged his wife tightly after posting bail Thursday.
Joseph Emerson was released after pleading not guilty to reckless endangerment charges in court Thursday, but was warned by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Ryan to stay away from the plane before his trial.
The California man was ordered not to come within 30 feet of any operational aircraft, receive mental health services and not use drugs or alcohol.
The 44-year-old was initially en route from Everett, Wash., to Washington after attempting to activate the jet’s two fire handles, which were designed to cut off the fuel supply and shut down both engines. He was charged with attempted serious murder. Officials made the announcement in October in San Francisco, California.
Emerson, who was off-duty and in a spare seat in the cockpit, was quickly stopped and the plane diverted to Portland, Oregon.
After his arrest, Emerson told police he was suffering from depression and had ingested psychedelic mushrooms about 48 hours before attempting to turn off the plane’s engines, according to the indictment.
He also reportedly stated that he had not slept in the 40 hours leading up to the flight.
He also pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the incident and was required to pay $5,000 to be released.
Posted video Social media by ABC News reporter On Thursday night, Mr Emerson and his wife Sarah Stretch were seen hugging each other, holding two paper bags in their hands and burying their faces in her shoulder.
He then went to hug other loved ones and they all left the prison lobby.
Before the warm reunion, Stretch said she was happy to have her husband back.
She told reporters after the arraignment that she believes the case raises awareness of mental health issues among pilots.
“I’m sorry this situation had to happen to my husband and the people he affected,” Stretch said. “But I know this has created a movement and momentum that will help thousands of other pilots.”
One of his defense attorneys, Noah Horst, believes his client should not face criminal charges because he did not intentionally choose to put the roughly 80 passengers at risk.
“Does he need help? Yes,” he told reporters. “Does Mr. Emerson deserve to be home with his family and surrounded by friends today? Yes, he is.”
with post wire
