Kansas Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Flight Attendant Mid-Flight
- Victor Nwoko
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A 24-year-old man from Kansas, Julius Jordan Priester, is facing federal charges after allegedly assaulting a flight attendant onboard an American Airlines flight traveling from Bradley International Airport in Connecticut to Chicago.
The incident occurred on May 27, approximately 30 minutes to an hour after takeoff. According to officials, Priester suddenly stood up, began removing his shirt, and ran toward the rear of the aircraft, yelling, “Help me.”
Prosecutors say Priester then approached a seated flight attendant, shouted “you’re coming with me,” and forcibly dragged them to the floor before attempting to pull them up the aisle. The alarming incident prompted several passengers to intervene, restraining Priester and returning him to his seat.
Despite being restrained, Priester reportedly continued to behave erratically and made incoherent statements, causing the captain to declare an in-flight emergency. The aircraft was diverted back to Bradley International Airport, where it made an emergency landing.
Upon landing, Connecticut State Police boarded the plane and escorted Priester off the aircraft. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation.
Priester has been charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants, a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. He is currently being held in custody pending a bond hearing scheduled for May 30.
The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI and Connecticut State Police. American Airlines, in a statement regarding the incident, reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on violence and expressed gratitude to its flight crew and passengers for their quick response.
Comentarios