After arriving late for their flight to Cancún, a couple from Florida allegedly assaulted airport staff who refused to let them board, causing their destination to be changed from paradise to jail.
Rafael Seirafe-Novaes, 40, and Beatriz Rapoport De Campos Maia, 29, were taken into custody for the alleged assault on March 2, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
The entire confrontation, which started at 8:35 a.m. at Miami International Airport when the couple arrived late for their American Airlines trip to Cancún and tried to push their way aboard, was caught on shocking video.
According to investigators, the suspects broke through personnel onto the restricted jet bridge after ignoring verbal instructions from a ticket agent and no trespassing signs.
According to the arrest report, Rapoport De Campos Maia is suspected of assaulting the victims and hurling coffee at them, while Seirafe-Novaes is accused of pushing two victims.
Seirafe-Novaes is eventually seen on camera being handcuffed and driven to a police vehicle on the tarmac.
According to an American Airlines representative, the airline is actively collaborating with law enforcement in their investigation into the event.
“Prior to boarding American Airlines Flight 2494 from Miami (MIA) to Cancún (CUN), law enforcement responded to the gate for two disruptive customers,” a statement from American stated.
“Acts of violence are not tolerated by American Airlines, and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation.”
The flight experienced a delay as a result of the event, but it really arrived at its destination without the pair. It arrived in Cancún roughly half an hour after it was anticipated to reach there.
Maia was charged with two counts of battery and trespassing, while Seirafe-Novaes was charged with resisting an officer without violence and trespassing. Maia was one of the individuals that was arrested.
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The pair posted bond on Monday, which allowed them to be released.
Those who are found guilty of committing acts of purposeful violence in an international airport are subject to a federal offense, which can result in a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a maximum fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, as stated by the Department of Justice.
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