An purported effort to turn off the aircraft’s engine mid-flight resulted in the pilot being removed off the aircraft.
Since Joseph David Emerson is charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, investigators are interested in learning more about his family background.
Who is Joseph David Emerson’s wife, Sarah Stretch?
Along with his spouse Sarah Stretch, Joseph David Emerson resides in Pleasant Hill, California.
Stretch is thought to be a physical education teacher and swimming coach; she and Emerson have two sons together.
“He’s very understanding of other people. We just couldn’t imagine him doing anything to hurt someone.
“I can’t fathom him doing anything that would hurt anyone.”
Emerson and Stretch’s other neighbors had similar comments.
An additional neighbor expressed to the outlet: “All I could do is vouch for his character.
“They are excellent neighbors. He is a fantastic father,” said Emerson and Stretch’s neighbors.
The couple’s neighbor Karen Yee told the Daily Mail: “He plays with the kids all the time. He’s very friendly. He’s just a great guy.
“All I could tell you is he is a really nice man, and his wife Sarah is a really nice lady, and they never, ever even remotely made me think anything negative about them.
“I can’t say one word that would be derogatory towards him at all.”
What did Joseph D. Emerson do?
Emerson was removed off Alaska Airlines aircraft 2059 on October 22, 2023, for “posing a credible security threat.”
The threat pertained to an occurrence in which Emerson reportedly attempted to switch off the plane’s engine by getting out of his seat.The flight attendants warned passengers that Emerson was allegedly experiencing a mental breakdown during the event.
Flight 2059 was rerouted to Portland, Oregon, from its original destination of San Francisco once Emerson was brought under control.
Without naming Emerson in their statement, Alaska Airlines revealed: “The jump seat occupant unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines.
“The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost, and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.”
When flight 2059 landed in Portland, Emerson was detained at the Multnomah County Detention Center.
In addition to one crime of endangering an aircraft, he was charged with 83 charges of reckless endangerment and 83 counts of attempted murder.
The 83 passengers on board aircraft 2059 were represented by the 83 counts.
