Two men detained after reports of a possible bomb fleeing to Houston, officials say

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

At 12:24 p.m., the sheriff’s office received a call from a reported emergency on the plane, officials said.

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

According to The Associated Press, a passenger, Megann Cox, told KALB-TV that they were mid-air when the flight crew announced they were making an unexpected stop in Alexandria. She said the plane was on the tarmac with the electricity off, including the air circulation.

“They didn’t explain to us that there was a customer service problem until after about 30 minutes and they needed to address that,” she said.

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

Deputies said two persons of interest were being held.

United Airlines said it rebooked passengers as soon as possible.

FBI New Orleans released the following statement:

The New Orleans FBI is aware of the incident that occurred at the 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’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, Rapides Parish Homeland Security, Rapides Parish District Attorney and the England Airpark Authority we are grateful to report that there was no threat to public safety and that all diverted air passengers have gone to their destination. “

United Airlines has released 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 met by local authorities who are investigating the matter further. “

This is a story in progress.