JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 41-year-old man who was arrested after authorities said he caused a Breeze Airways flight from Orlando to divert to Jacksonville International Airport is now facing a federal charge of making a false bomb threat toward an aircraft.
Evan Sims is accused of using the word “bomb” during an argument with his ex-fiancée on Flight 717, which was carrying more than 100 passengers. Because the argument sparked concerns about a possible “bomb threat” on the plane, the flight was diverted.
Sims, who was in Duval County court Wednesday morning, has also been charged with violating an injunction his ex-fiancée filed against him. He was flying with his ex to Rhode Island when the argument broke out.
Passengers told News4JAX that they heard the word “bomb” used during the argument, but Sims told the Duval County judge in court Wednesday that he didn’t say “bomb.” Instead, Sims said he used the word “calm.”
“I said she needed some calm because she wanted to move seats,” Sims said to the judge.
The judge said, “That’s Rhode Island talk. We say ‘space’ down here. You say ‘calm.’”
“Yes, sir,” Sims replied.
But according to the complaint against him, Sims stated two times amid the argument that his ex had a bomb on the plane.
When the FBI questioned him, the complaint said, Sims said he was “only human and could have used the word bomb on accident one time, but definitely not twice.”
But the FBI report says Sims made other alarming comments on the flight, including “I’m going to fire up a vape,” that he hoped the plane wouldn’t “go down” and that they’d be “gone with the wind.”
The report also says that during boarding, Sims was heard talking to his ex about needing to use the emergency doors and even questioned the flight crew about the emergency life raft.
Then, the document says, during the initial ascent, Sims partially stood up and said he wanted to get off the plane.
Sims told investigators that he’s a nervous flier and decided he didn’t want to fly with his ex to Rhode Island anymore.
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Ed Booth, an aviation attorney with experience representing passengers accused of being unruly, said Sims’ legal troubles are just beginning because of a recent federal aviation zero-tolerance policy.
“The rule is zero tolerance of any type of behavior that interferes with the flight crew, threatens harm to passengers, or the airplane,” Booth said.
Booth said Sims can still expect a fine of up to $30,000 from the Federal Aviation Authority. He also said that based on his experience with these kinds of cases, Sims should expect a bill from Breeze Airlines.
“The cost to Breeze Airlines from this diversion in dealing with the needs of the other passengers could easily exceed $100,000. And I suspect they will be sending the bill,” Booth said.
Whether or not Sims said the word bomb during the flight, the Duval County judge he faced Wednesday made one thing clear that everyone should pay close attention to: “Anytime you say the word bomb at the airport, you go to jail.”
Booth suggested the best way to prevent an argument from escalating on an airplane is to create distance by switching seats with another passenger.
Booth said Sims could be banned from flying on Breeze Airways. He also said Sims could be subjected to additional screenings every time he flies a commercial flight.
Sims pleaded no contest Wednesday to the injunction violation and is being held at the Duval County Jail.