Man charged over alleged threat to WestJet flight in Kelowna, B.C.

KELOWNA, B.C. – Charges have been laid against a 35-year-old man who allegedly threatened a WestJet flight leaving the airport from Kelowna, B.C.

Michael Howells, who has been living in Summerland, B.C., is charged with several offences, including uttering threats, endangering an aircraft by false information and mischief.

RCMP Const. Kris Clark says in a news release that police received a possible threat that was specific to a flight leaving the international airport just after noon Saturday.

He says at the time the aircraft was flying into the airport, so out of precaution it was diverted to a secure location away from the main terminal.

Clark says nothing of concern was found in a search of the passengers and their luggage.

Police believe neither the flight nor the passengers were ever subject to any threat or danger, and he says the flight was isolated out of an overabundance of caution.

Clark says Howells has been held in custody and was expected to appear in court on Monday.