Passenger arrested after allegedly trying to open exit door on flight

A 23-year-old Nebraska man faces multiple charges after allegedly causing a disturbance on a SkyWest plane that had to be diverted midflight, authorities said.

SkyWest Flight 3612 was diverted to Cedar Rapids on Thursday evening due to an "unruly" passenger, the airline said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the flight landed at Eastern Iowa Airport "after the crew reported a passenger disturbance."

On air traffic control audio, the pilot can be heard saying that the passenger was "in a fight with a flight attendant right now, trying to open the emergency exit."

The flight was met by law enforcement officials upon landing and the passenger was arrested and transported to Linn County Correctional Center, police said.

The Cedar Rapids Police Department identified the arrested passenger as Mario Nikprelaj.

He has been charged with disorderly conduct, assault and harassment in the first degree, all misdemeanors, according to the complaint. He has also been charged two drug counts related to the unlawful possession of prescription medication, according to the complaint.

He did not enter a plea or have an attorney at his first court appearance in Linn County on Friday, during which he appeared remotely from jail. The judge set his bond at $10,000. ABC news.