PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Alaska Airlines passenger who tried to open an emergency exit during a flight from Anchorage, Alaska, to Portland was sentenced Monday to three years on probation.

Alexander Michael Herrera, 24, faced prison time after pleading guilty to interfering with a flight crew. But federal prosecutors recommended probation because he has shown “remarkable dedication” toward staying on his medication for bipolar disorder and getting his life on track.