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At Orlando International Airport, two sisters from New Jersey were involved in a confrontation with a Frontier Airlines gate agent. The incident occurred on May 15, when Kiera Lyons, 22, and her sister Maura Flores, 31, were reportedly removed from a flight heading to their home state.
Bodycam footage released by law enforcement has provided insight into the chaotic scene that unfolded.
The footage begins with an Orlando police officer approaching a visibly shaken gate agent seated on the ground. The agent described the event, stating, “It was the short, skinny one first that pushed me, and then her bigger sister followed up with another shove.” This interaction prompted law enforcement to intervene after the sisters refused to leave the plane, creating a significant disturbance.
Details of the incident unfold
The gate agent reported that the situation escalated when she asked the sisters to exit the aircraft, which led to a barrage of verbal insults aimed at the flight crew. As they were escorted up the jetbridge, Lyons allegedly confronted the agent with a vulgar remark, heightening tensions.
The agent recalled, “When she was facing me, she pushed me and then turned around, and then her sister came up and shoved me again,” which caused the agent to trip over an obstruction on the ground.
Witness accounts support the agent’s claims
A flight attendant corroborated the gate agent’s account, confirming that both sisters had pushed the employee during the altercation. Outside the jetbridge, the sisters attempted to explain their side to the officers, with Lyons claiming she felt unwell and had been in the restroom when the flight attendant asked her to leave the plane.
She also mentioned having consumed a few drinks before boarding, which may have contributed to her condition.
Emotional responses and legal ramifications
During the incident, Lyons expressed distress to the officers, citing anxiety and the pressure of an impending graduation.
“I’m literally supposed to walk for graduation tomorrow,” she sobbed, highlighting her status as a Division III athlete and her disappointment regarding the situation. Lyons previously played field hockey at Stockton University, while Flores is known as a mother of two.
When police began to place Lyons in handcuffs, Flores reacted strongly, stating, “You are not handcuffing my sister!” Her attempts to intervene resulted in her own detention. Both sisters were subsequently charged with first-degree battery and disorderly conduct, following the incident where the gate agent sustained minor injuries.
Path to resolution through intervention
On September 17, it was reported that the cases against both sisters had been directed towards a pre-trial intervention (PTI) program. This program is designed to redirect individuals charged with nonviolent crimes away from traditional prosecution. Legal experts indicate that successful completion of the PTI program typically leads to the dismissal of charges. This approach focuses on providing education and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of public disturbances, particularly in sensitive environments like airports. As travelers navigate the complexities of air travel, maintaining composure is essential to avoid serious legal consequences. Ongoing discussions surrounding the sisters’ case emphasize the importance of understanding one’s behavior and its impact on others in such settings.
