The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Frontier Airlines flight traveling from Puerto Rico to Chicago was diverted to Miami after a passenger allegedly became disruptive and attacked an off-duty flight attendant during the trip.
According to records, the incident happened last weekend on a Frontier Airlines Flight. The aircraft had been in the air for about 45 minutes when the passenger allegedly began causing problems.
The authorities said the man tried to open two exit doors while the plane was in flight. A flight attendant reportedly told investigators that the passenger also said he wanted to get off the aircraft.
It was reported that the passenger allegedly made several attempts to open the flight deck door before moving to a seat that was not assigned to him.
The situation reportedly escalated when the man allegedly attacked an off-duty flight attendant who was seated nearby. Witnesses told the authorities that the passenger lunged at the alleged victim, grabbed him by the head, and choked him.
Passengers and crew members then worked together to restrain the man. According to court documents, they used flex cuffs and seatbelt extenders to hold him, but investigators said he allegedly broke free from the restraints multiple times. A passenger eventually helped keep the man under control until the flight could land safely.
The plane, which had departed from San Juan and was headed to Chicago, landed safely at Miami International Airport around midnight.
After the aircraft arrived in Miami, the man was taken into custody and booked into the Miami-Dade Correctional Center on an assault charge.
Federal officials later announced additional charges. The 51-year-old Chicago man was charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants and assault within maritime territorial jurisdiction.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.