Florida Couple Attempt to Force Their Way onto Flight to Cancún with 1 Allegedly Throwing Coffee at Airport Staffer

Mar. 15, 2025

From left: Rafael Seirafe-Novaes, Beatriz Rapoport De Campos Maia.Photo:Miami Dade Corrections

Miami Dade Corrections

A Florida couple attempted to force their way onto a flight to Cancún, Mexico.

On the morning of Sunday, March 2, Rafael Seirafe-Novaes and Beatriz Rapoport De Campos Maia were reportedly running late for their flight to Cancún from Miami International Airport when they allegedly attempted to force themselves through security to get onto the aircraft, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement to PEOPLE.

In a video that was shared onsocial media, at least five officers appear to attempt to restrain Seirafe-Novaes. One of the two suspects allegedly threw coffee at one of the airport staffers during the scuffle, a representative from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office alleged to PEOPLE. The incident concluded with Seirafe-Novaes being escorted in handcuffs to a police car on the tarmac.

Both Seirafe-Novaes and Rapoport De Campos Maia were charged with two counts of battery and trespassing on property after warning, according to their booking reports. Seirafe-Novaes received the added charge of resisting arrest.

As a result of the incident, the flight was delayed. The American Airlines Flight 2494 to Mexico was scheduled to depart Miami at 9:01 a.m. local time and arrive in Cancún at 10:56 a.m. local time, but ultimately departed at 9:10 a.m. and arrived at 11:22 a.m.

A spokesperson for American Airlines shared a statement with PEOPLE regarding the incident.

source: people.com