PORTLAND — The FBI says a Southwest Airlines flight from Seattle to Sacramento, Calif., made an emergency landing in Oregon because of a passenger who was displaying gang signs, praising Jesus and demanding alcoholic drinks.
Sheron Lamar Rogers was taken into custody Tuesday at the Portland International Airport and remained in jail pending a detention hearing. His court-appointed attorney, Lisa Hay, declined to comment.
FBI special agent Jake Green says in court papers that Rogers argued with passengers and the flight crew.
According to Green, Rogers told authorities he didn’t believe he was threatening anyone, and any gang signs he displayed “were for Jesus.” He told investigators he smoked “purple hash” before the flight but didn’t feel high.
Rogers was charged with interfering with flight crew members.
