3 Long Islanders Arrested For Almost Starting Riot At Florida Airport

Three people from Long Island, including a brother and sister, were arrested at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida after multiple cancellations by Spirit Airlines angered passengers. The three were accused of trying to start a riot over the canceled flights, which Spirit blamed on its pilots' union.

Newsday reported that Desmond Waul, 22, of Selden; his sister, Janice Waul, 24, of Brentwood; and Devante Garrett, 22, also of Brentwood, were all arrested at the airport. They were charged with inciting a riot, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and trespassing.

According to ABC, about 500 people were in the terminal when the three Long Islanders began allegedly yelling at and threatening the front-counter employees. Deputies on the scene said they were agitating the crowd to near violence and wouldn't leave when ordered.

"We are shocked and saddened to see the videos of what took place at Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport this evening," Spirit wrote in an emailed statement to Patch. "This is a result of unlawful labor activity by some Spirit pilots designed to disrupt Spirit operations for our customers, by canceling multiple flights across our network."

Desmond Waul, left, Janice Waul and Devante Garrett. Photos: Brower County Sheriff's Office.