A missed flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport allegedly turned into a bomb hoax that disrupted air travel and triggered a federal investigation.

On June 5, federal authorities arrested a 23-year-old man accused of calling in a fake bomb threat to Spirit Airlines after missing his Los Angeles-bound flight, delaying the plane and launching a large-scale FBI response, as People reports.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Charles Robinson was scheduled to board Spirit Airlines flight 2145 from Detroit to Los Angeles early Thursday morning. After arriving late to the gate and being told by staff that he had missed his flight, Robinson was instructed to rebook his ticket.

Roughly 15 minutes later, federal prosecutors say Robinson called Spirit Airlines with an alarming claim. In the call placed at approximately 6:25 a.m., Robinson stated that he had information that a bomb was being smuggled through TSA screening and would be used to target flight 2145.

He allegedly told the airline, “There’s gonna be someone that’s gonna try to blow up that flight,” and claimed the explosive was undetectable. His detailed description of a supposed suspect was enough to prompt swift action on the ground.

Security officials step into action

Following the phoned-in threat, Spirit flight 2145, which had already begun taxiing down the runway, was brought to an immediate stop. A passenger onboard, Joci Moore, later told CBS News that she sensed something was off, recalling, “You could just kind of feel something was wrong.”

The aircraft was directed to a remote part of the airfield, and all passengers and crew were ordered to evacuate. They were taken back to the terminal without their personal belongings. Bomb-sniffing dogs, federal agents, and local law enforcement swept through the aircraft to search for any signs of explosives.

No bombs or dangerous items were located during the sweep. Despite the negative findings, the passengers remained in the airport for hours as officials worked to ensure safety and complete their investigation.

Flight inspected, cleared

According to Spirit Airlines, guests were rescreened while the aircraft was fully inspected and cleared by law enforcement. The plane was ultimately permitted to continue to Los Angeles after a significant delay. A spokesperson for the airline said, “The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority.”

Meanwhile, Robinson reportedly returned to the Detroit airport in an attempt to catch another flight. Upon his arrival, he was taken into custody by law enforcement officials. His arrest came on the same day of the incident.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson announced that threats targeting the safety of the flying public would be taken seriously, stating, “Anyone who threatens to bomb an aircraft and endanger public safety will be swiftly investigated and brought to justice.”

Suspect facing legal consequences

Robinson later appeared before a federal judge and was released on bond. His next court date is scheduled for June 27, according to federal prosecutors. He has not publicly commented on the allegations.

U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon warned that threats like these undermine the public’s sense of security and drain law enforcement resources. “No American wants to hear the words ‘bomb’ and ‘airplane’ in the same sentence,” Gorgon said.

Passengers aboard flight 2145 faced a drawn-out security scare. Moore shared that passengers spent three hours onboard before being asked to leave. They then spent an additional two hours in the terminal before they were allowed to reboard and finally depart.

Lessons to learn

1. Never make a false threat, even in frustration: While travel disruptions and missed flights can cause emotional stress, retaliating by issuing threats can lead to serious legal consequences. Threats against public transportation are investigated intensely and can carry federal charges.

2. Follow airport security protocols: Whether you’re a passenger or an observer, always cooperate with airport security procedures. In the case of a threat, remain calm and follow instructions to ensure your safety and minimize panic.

3. Understand that crime can impact anyone: Though we can take steps to protect ourselves and stay alert, unpredictable situations can occur. It’s important not to blame victims of such disruptions and instead focus on how systems can respond and recover efficiently.

Why This Story Matters

This incident underscores how a single reckless act can affect hundreds of people and compromise airport safety.

It highlights the importance of thorough response systems in place by the TSA, FBI, and airlines.

The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of interfering with public transportation through false reports.