Hunter
07/22/25
A Nebraska man arrested at the Cedar Rapids Airport last week for causing a disturbance on a domestic flight now faces federal charges.
According to the original release from the city, a Sky West flight from Omaha to Detroit had to touch down at the airport July 17th to deal with a single male passenger. Officers met the flight and arrested 23-year-old Mario Nikpelaj (Nick-PREE-lidge).
CBS 2 reports the federal criminal complaint says the pilot was told about an unruly passenger before takeoff, but that flight attendants were able to control the situation. Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants reported Nikprelaj left his seat and gestured at the flight attendants, but they told the pilot he had returned to his seat. About 20 miles from Cedar Rapids, the flight attendants told the pilot that he was trying to open the exit door and was fighting with other passengers on the plane. That’s when the pilot decided to land the plane.
Court records show that three passengers helped the flight attendants. Witnesses said that Nikprelaj became physical with one flight attendant and threatened to kill them.
He was taken to the Linn County Correctional Center, where he was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Assault, Possession of Prescription Medication, a Tax Stamp violation, and 1st degree Harassment.
Those charges have been dropped in lieu of the federal charges. Nikprelaj is due in federal court today.