A Navy technician was arrested for allegedly making a bogus bomb threat while aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight, police and military officials said.
Electronics Technician 2nd Class John Stea, 35, told a flight attendant that the passenger next to him had a bomb just moments before taking off from San Diego International Airport Tuesday morning, according to the San Diego Harbor Police.
Authorities were notified and swarmed Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 on the tarmac at 8:45 a.m.
Port officials have identified the man as 35-year-old John Stea, whom they described as “a member of the military.” Instagram/808chadnelson
Authorities boarded the plane following the threat. Isai SolorzanoOne man was yanked off the airplane in handcuffs, witnesses said — although it’s not clear whether it was Stea or the man he falsely claimed had the explosive.
All 293 people onboard were deplaned and bused to a safe area.
Following a search of the aircraft involving bomb-sniffing K9s, it was cleared by law enforcement. Passengers reboarded the plane and took off for Honolulu about five hours later, according to Hawaiian Airlines.
Authorities said there is no threat to travelers at the San Diego airport.
Navy officials confirmed they are aware of Stea’s arrest. Records provided to The Post show he’s been enlisted since 2009 and has been stationed in San Diego since 2023.
Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 was cleared and took off five hours late. AP“The safety of the public and our personnel is of utmost importance to the Navy. We take all threats seriously and are cooperating fully with local and federal authorities,” Lt. Mohammad N. Issa, deputy public affairs officer, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, said in a statement.
Harbor Police reminded the public that falsely reporting a bomb threat is illegal and can result in up to a year in prison, if convicted.
