An airline suspect’s grand exit

It seems an Arlington man really wanted to get off his plane.

Robert Hersey, 43, was charged with interfering with the Delta Air Lines flight he was traveling on Tuesday night.

Hersey, authorities said, was trying to open the emergency exit in the middle of the plane as it made its way to Boston from Orlando, Fla.

However, some passengers told WBZ that Hersey was only touching the door and not trying to open it when an alarm went off.

During his arraignment yesterday in East Boston District Court, Hersey pleaded not guilty.

Authorities said he had been drinking before the flight and had to be subdued by a passenger. Delta tweeted that it was thankful for the off-duty police officer who happened to be on board and helped subdue Hersey.

Hersey was released after he posted $1,000 bail.

The judge also ordered him to remain alcohol-free during his case.