Police Stop Flight at Newark to Arrest Man Fleeing with Child

By CARLY BALDWIN (Patch Staff)

Authorities stopped a plane just minutes before takeoff at Newark Airport Sunday to arrest a Hawaiian man who was fleeing the state with a child, officials announced late Tuesday. The plane had already left the gate and was taxiing towards takeoff.

Joel Paula, 32, of Hilo, Hawaii, was arrested Sunday, Nov. 29, in violation of a child custody agreement, said a spokesman for the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Worried relatives of the child contacted Perth Amboy police to report that Paula had a custodial visit, but failed to return the youngster. Instead, he left a car parked at Newark airport, and he and the child were boarding a flight to Phoenix, police learned.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office placed an alert with federal authorities, who were able to stop the plane just moments before takeoff. Port Authority and TSA police ordered the pilot to stop and return to the gate.

Officers then boarded the plane and removed Paula and the child, who was safely returned to relatives.

Paula was released from custody after posting bail.

“We understand the hardships that face couples who separate, but regardless ... this is why court orders must be obeyed,” Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said in a statement.

Stock image.