2 men arrested after reports of possible bomb on flight to Houston, officials said

HOUSTON – A United flight bound for Houston was diverted to Alexandria International Airport after reports of a possible explosive device on board, according to Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

At 12:24 pm, the sheriff’s office received a call informing them of an incoming aircraft emergency, officials said.

The flight was en route from Jackson, Mississippi to Houston, before being diverted to Louisiana, according to deputies. The aircraft landed safely and passengers were landed, deputies said.

According to the Associated Press, a passenger, Megann Cox, told KALB-TV that they were in the air when the crew announced that they would make an unexpected stop in Alexandria. She said the plane stopped on the runway with electricity off, including air circulation.

“They didn’t give us any explanation until about 30 minutes later, that there was a customer service issue and they needed to address it,” she said.

England Airpark firefighters, Rapides Parish Sherriff’s Office, TSA, Acadian Ambulance and the FBI responded to the scene. The RPSO Bomb Squad along with local FBI agents also responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

MPs said two people of interest were arrested.

United Airlines said it is rescheduling passengers as soon as possible.

The New Orleans FBI issued the following statement:

“The FBI New Orleans is aware of the incident that occurred at Alexandria, LA airport today. Through a coordinated effort involving our law enforcement partners, specifically the Louisiana State Police, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Transportation Security Administration, US Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Rapides Parish Homeland Security, Rapides Parish District Attorney and the England Airpark Authority is grateful to report that there was no threat to public safety and that all passengers diverted from the airline went to their destinations ”.

United Airlines issued the following written statement:

“CommutAir flight 4344, operating as United Express from Jackson, Mississippi to Houston, was diverted to Alexandria, Louisiana, due to a customer-related security issue. The flight landed safely and was received by local authorities who are investigating the matter in more detail. “

This is a developing story.