Man Arrested After Allegedly Attempting to Open Emergency Exit Doors and Choking a Crew Member During Flight

• A 46-year-old man was arrested for allegedly trying to open emergency exit doors on a plane, per Australian Federal Police
• The passenger has since been charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assaulting the crew
• Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the suspect has been identified as Shadi Taisser Ayed Alsaaydeh

A man has been charged with endangerment and assault after allegedly trying to open emergency exit doors during a flight.

On Saturday, April 5, the 46-year-old man from Jordan allegedly attempted to open the rear emergency exit door of a plane traveling from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Sydney, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). 

Police said he was “escorted to a seat in the middle of the aircraft,” where he allegedly attempted to open another emergency exit door.

“The man was then restrained by crew and passengers, during which he allegedly assaulted an airline staff member,” police added. 

The passenger has been charged with two counts of endangering the safety of an aircraft and one count of assault crew of Division 3 aircraft. 

Each offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, per police.

Davina Copelin, the AFP’s detective acting superintendent, condemned the alleged actions of the passenger in a press release, saying, “The actions of this man could have had tragic consequences, and passengers and airplane staff shouldn’t have to put up with unruly, violent, or dangerous behavior on flights.”

Copelin added, “The AFP will not hesitate to take action against people who engage in criminal behaviour on airplanes, especially where this behavior has the potential to endanger the safety of passengers, crew or the flight itself.”

The Guardian reported that the incident occurred on an AirAsia flight. 

PEOPLE reached out to AirAsia for additional information on Sunday, April 6, but did not immediately hear back. 

AirAsia told The Guardian in a statement that the cabin crew did their due diligence during the incident. “Our cabin crew, who are professionally trained to respond to such situations, took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone on board,” the airline said. 

“At no time was the safety of guests or crew compromised,” AirAsia continued, adding that the airline has a “zero tolerance policy for [alleged] inappropriate behavior of any kind and as per procedure alerted the AFP and relevant authorities to meet the aircraft on arrival in Sydney.”

AirAsia added that the incident is being handled by authorities.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the suspect has been identified as Shadi Taisser Ayed Alsaaydeh and was arrested by police when the flight landed at Sydney International Airport. 

The public broadcaster stated that Alsaaydeh’s lawyer told the court during his bail hearing that Alsaayded had consumed pseudoephedrine, a sleeping pill, and alcohol before the flight. The lawyer added that his client does not remember the incident. 

Per the broadcaster, police stated that Alsaayded allegedly choked a flight attendant who intervened when he attempted to open the second emergency exit. Several passengers allegedly also intervened. 

Alsaaydeh, who the broadcaster said was not granted bail, is said to be a Jordanian government employee who was traveling to Sydney to meet with other officials. His lawyer said he has no prior criminal history.

He is due to appear in court on April 9.