Alameda County Man Arrested for Assaulting Flight Attendants on Frontier Airlines Flight

Federal authorities have apprehended Charles Angel Salva, a 30-year-old resident of Fremont, Alameda County, after he allegedly assaulted flight attendants on a Frontier Airlines flight from John Wayne Airport in Orange County to San Francisco International Airport. The incident occurred on Monday, prompting the flight to divert to Ontario International Airport in San Bernardino County.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, Salva pulled down an oxygen mask from the overhead compartment shortly after takeoff and began shouting obscenities at the flight attendants. Uttering alarming statements such as “We are all going to hell” and “This airplane is going down,” Salva proceeded to grab at passengers and attempted to flee to the back of the plane while flight attendants tried to restrain him.

Despite the efforts of the flight attendants, Salva managed to break free from flex cuffs. Passengers came to the aid of the crew and successfully restrained him using a seat belt. During the struggle, Salva allegedly attempted to choke one flight attendant and kicked another multiple times, resulting in bruising and swelling.

The flight was diverted to Ontario International Airport as the flight attendants deemed it unsafe to continue with Salva unrestrained. A fellow passenger later informed authorities that Salva appeared claustrophobic and displayed a desire to exit the aircraft.

On Wednesday, Salva was arrested and now faces charges of interference with flight crew members and attendants, as announced by the U.S. attorney’s office. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.