Navy technician accused of making false bomb threat on hawaiian airlines flight

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. One 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. EXPLORE MORE 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. “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.