Navy technician charged with making a false bomb threat on a Hawaiian Airlines flight

A Navy technician was arrested on charges of making a false bomb threat while he was on a Hawaiian Airlines flight, authorities said.

Electronics Technician 1st Class John Stea, 35, was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat and false report of a security threat.

San Diego Harbor Police allege in a news release that Stea told a flight attendant on Hawaii Airlines Flight 15 that the passenger next to him had a bomb as the flight was getting ready to depart. The flight attendant told the captain about the potential threat, police said.

“Harbor Police reminds the public that maliciously reporting a false bomb threat is against the law and can result in fines and up to one year incarceration in county jail or state prison if convicted,” police said.

The incident happened as the plane was about to leave San Diego International Airport for Honolulu, prompting the plane to taxi to a safe location and a search of the aircraft. The nearly 300 people onboard were deplaned and transported by bus to a secure area, police said.

The aircraft and all luggage were eventually cleared.

“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.