U.S. Man Charged After Mid-Air Meltdown Leads to Assault on American Airlines Flight Attendant

A 24-year-old Kansas man has been arrested and charged after allegedly assaulting a flight attendant mid-flight aboard an American Airlines plane en route to Chicago. The incident occurred on May 27, shortly after the aircraft departed from Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Julius Jordan Priester became unruly about 30 minutes into the flight. U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut David Sullivan said Priester stood up, began removing his shirt, and ran to the back of the plane shouting “Help me.” He then allegedly grabbed a seated flight attendant, yelled “You’re coming with me,” and forcibly dragged her down the aisle.

Several passengers intervened and restrained Priester, returning him to his seat, though officials say he continued acting erratically and made incoherent statements.

In response to the disruption, the flight’s captain declared an emergency and diverted the aircraft back to Bradley International Airport. Upon landing, Connecticut State Police boarded the plane, arrested Priester, and transported him to a local hospital for evaluation.

The condition of the assaulted flight attendant has not been publicly disclosed. American Airlines issued a statement praising the flight crew and passengers for their swift response.

“We do not tolerate violence, and we thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their assistance,” the airline said.

Prosecutors noted that Priester has a prior criminal history in Kansas, including a charge of aggravated assault. He now faces federal charges of interfering with flight crew members and attendants, a serious offense that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Priester remains in custody as he awaits his court hearing.

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Source: NDTV‍