Yahoo Lifestyle Florida Couple Attempt to Force Their Way onto Flight to Cancún with 1 Allegedly Throwing Coffee at Airport Staffer
On Sunday, March 2, two passengers left the Miami International Airport in handcuffs after physically assaulting airport staff
Miami Dade Corrections
From left: Rafael Seirafe-Novaes, Beatriz Rapoport De Campos MaiaA Florida couple attempted to force their way onto a flight to Cancún, Mexico.
On the morning of Sunday, March 2, Rafael Seirafe-Novaes and Beatriz Rapoport De Campos Maia were reportedly running late for their flight to Cancún from Miami International Airport when they allegedly attempted to force themselves through security to get onto the aircraft, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office said in a statement to PEOPLE.
In a video that was shared on social media, at least five officers appear to attempt to restrain Seirafe-Novaes. One of the two suspects allegedly threw coffee at one of the airport staffers during the scuffle, a representative from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office alleged to PEOPLE. The incident concluded with Seirafe-Novaes being escorted in handcuffs to a police car on the tarmac.
Both Seirafe-Novaes and Rapoport De Campos Maia were charged with two counts of battery and trespassing on property after warning, according to their booking reports. Seirafe-Novaes received the added charge of resisting arrest.
As a result of the incident, the flight was delayed. The American Airlines Flight 2494 to Mexico was scheduled to depart Miami at 9:01 a.m. local time and arrive in Cancún at 10:56 a.m. local time, but ultimately departed at 9:10 a.m. and arrived at 11:22 a.m.
A spokesperson for American Airlines shared a statement with PEOPLE regarding the incident.
“Prior to boarding American Airlines flight 2494 from Miami (MIA) to Cancun (CUN), law enforcement responded to the gate for two disruptive customers,” read the statement, “Acts of violence are not tolerated by American Airlines and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation.”
Related: Southwest Plane Nearly Collides with Private Jet on Chicago Runway, Aborts Landing to Avoid Crash
As outlined by U.S. Department of Justice, committing acts of intentional violence in an international airport is a federal crime. Perpetrators can face up to $250,000 and up to 20 years in prison.
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