Navy Sailor Arrested for Alleged Bomb Threat on Hawaii Flight

SAN DIEGO, California — A Navy sailor was arrested Tuesday after allegedly making a bomb threat that grounded a Hawaiian Airlines flight at San Diego International Airport.

Authorities responded quickly, with new video showing law enforcement in tactical gear boarding the plane and removing two men, one of whom was handcuffed. The arrested individual has been identified as 35-year-old John Stea, an Electronics Technician 2nd Class in the Navy.

Stea is charged with making a false bomb threat after he allegedly informed a flight attendant that the passenger next to him was carrying a bomb. Passengers on the delayed flight began to sense something was amiss when the captain announced a security issue.

“I want everybody to lower their shades now and keep their seatbelts fastened, and I’m on like, ‘OK, this is weird,’” said Chad Nelson, a passenger who recorded the incident. Shortly after the announcement, law enforcement boarded the aircraft and escorted the two men off.

“He goes marching by and I’m thinking in my head, ‘That’s the dude I saw in the bar a few hours ago,’” Nelson recalled.

Passengers were evacuated row by row, and only allowed to take their phones and wallets. Bomb-sniffing dogs were present at the base of the stairs as travelers waited in a hangar until they were cleared.

The Navy confirmed Stea’s military status, and military attorney Cody Harnish noted that his rank is comparable to a sergeant in the Army. “An older, more mature sailor would know better. I’m very curious to understand his intent, and what was going through his mind,” Harnish said.

In addition to civilian charges, Harnish mentioned that Stea could face military repercussions, including potential discharge and loss of benefits. The flight eventually departed safely for Honolulu, and passengers were given vouchers for another flight due to the delays.