Man high on 10 edibles tries to open American airlines door mid-flight

A New Jersey man arrested after consuming 10 marijuana edibles and causing chaos on a Dallas-bound American Airlines flight.

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Despite consuming the drugs before the flight, Gapco claimed he was unaware of the THC content in each edible. He refused to stay seated, vaped, propositioned a flight attendant for sex, and even removed his clothes. (x/@CollinRugg)

Eric Nicholas Gapco, a 26-year-old man from New Jersey, was arrested after causing significant disruption on an American Airlines flight from Seattle to Dallas. Gapco's erratic behavior, fueled by the consumption of 10 marijuana edibles, included attempting to open the plane door and making inappropriate advances towards a flight attendant.

Gapco faces federal charges for interference with a flight crew and attempted damage to an aircraft. His actions included shouting, singing, vaping, and harassing fellow passengers. The incident led to an emergency landing in Utah, where he was arrested at Salt Lake City International Airport after breaking a glass door and drooling.

Erratic behavior begins after takeoff

The flight took off on July 18, but Gapco's troubling behavior started shortly after departure. Despite consuming the drugs before the flight, Gapco claimed he was unaware of the THC content in each edible. He refused to stay seated, vaped, propositioned a flight attendant for sex, and even removed his clothes.

Witnesses reported that Gapco offered a fellow passenger a bag of unidentified pills and shouted, “I'm sane!” as he was escorted off the plane. Passengers restrained him and assisted flight attendants in removing him from the aircraft. As he was led down the aisle, he was singing, “You say ‘po-tay-to,’ I say ‘po-tah-to.’”

Combative behavior with authorities

Prosecutors stated that Gapco was "combative with medical staff and the police" and even spat on an officer. Initially, Gapco denied taking illegal drugs but later admitted to consuming a large amount of THC. Consuming 10 edibles, each potentially containing up to 100 milligrams of THC, resulted in a high dose of 1000 mg. Overdosing on THC can lead to severe side effects such as panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, nausea, delusions, and seizures.

Legal status of cannabis and airline response

Recreational cannabis use is legal in New Jersey and Washington but not in Texas. Marijuana remains federally illegal and is classified as a Schedule 1 substance alongside cocaine and heroin. Transporting it across state lines is prohibited.

American Airlines later issued a statement, saying, "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding."