Man Allegedly Punches and Bloodies Sleeping Passenger on US Flight
A man in Alexandria, Va. is facing a felony assault charge for assaulting a fellow passenger who was sleeping during a cross-country flight this week, as per authorities.
According to an FBI agent, Everett Chad Nelson punched the sleeping man repeatedly in the face and head, causing bleeding, until another passenger intervened and stopped the attack.
The assault took place on a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia on Monday and lasted approximately a minute.
“Thanks to the quick action of our crew and customers, one passenger was restrained after becoming physically aggressive toward another customer,” United Airlines stated. “The flight landed safely and was met by paramedics and local law enforcement.”
United Airlines disclosed that there were 82 customers and six crew members on the flight.
According to an affidavit from the FBI, Nelson left his seat at the back of the plane, went to a lavatory near the front, and then attacked the other man, resulting in bruises around the eyes and a gash on the nose. Blood from the victim was found on Nelson’s windbreaker.
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The FBI agent mentioned that Nelson was reseated near the front of the plane and was monitored by the passenger who halted the attack. There is no evidence to suggest that Nelson knew the victim, who has not been identified.
The public defender listed as Nelson’s lawyer did not immediately respond for comment.
A federal magistrate decided that Nelson should remain in custody until his trial on Dec. 11 in Alexandria, Virginia. The decision was based on the evidence against Nelson and his history of unstable employment and housing.
This year has seen over 1,700 reports of unruly passengers on flights, indicating a potential rise in incidents compared to last year. Although reports declined in the following years after a spike in 2021, they have remained elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
