ATLANTA — In an unexpected incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a KLM Airlines flight set for departure had to return to the gate on Tuesday after a passenger mistakenly thought another individual on board had a weapon, leading to a series of chaotic events, the Atlanta Police Department reported.

The situation unfolded on KLM Flight 622, which was en route to Amsterdam, when 32-year-old Johannes Van Heertum dialed 911 from his seat, expressing concerns about a possible weapon on the aircraft. In a state of panic, Van Heertum reportedly opened an emergency exit and deployed the escape slide while the plane was taxiing.

The aircraft promptly returned to Ramp 9, where law enforcement officials boarded and apprehended Van Heertum.

Authorities revealed that Van Heertum appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode during the incident. After being assessed by emergency medical technicians at the airport’s International Terminal Precinct, he faced charges of reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, and interfering with security measures.

Following his evaluation, Van Heertum was taken to the Clayton County Jail without any further issues. The APD Homeland Security unit has been notified of the event.

Police emphasize that the information remains preliminary as the investigation continues.