Bomb Threat Delays Flight at Charlotte, NC Airport

(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) — Law enforcement responded to a bomb threat on an airplane Jan. 23 at Charlotte Douglas Airport in North Carolina. Miami-bound American Airlines flight 2185 was delayed approximately two hours due to the threat. 

According to a report from WSOC-TV citing court documents, passenger Jerry Lee Manyette allegedly “told someone there was a bomb on the flight before takeoff.” 

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department conducted a sweep of the aircraft and arrested Manyette for making a false bomb threat, the police told WBTV.

The plane was preparing for takeoff on the runway as the threat was received.

Passenger Zach Cogswell told WSOC-TV that, “the plane was completely calm, no commotion.” 

American Airlines apologized to passengers in a statement given to WSOC-TV, “Safety and security is our top priority. We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”

Manyette was originally placed under a $75,000 bond in Mecklenburg County jail, charged with making a false bomb threat according to the Charlotte Police Department. The bond was reduced to $5,000 by the appointed judge Wednesday according to WSOCTV. 

Manyette was scheduled to appear in Mecklenburg County Court in Charlotte, N.C. on Feb 13 for arraignment.