A New Orleans man, Nelson Montgomery, was apprehended by authorities at Louis Armstrong International Airport after an altercation with a flight attendant. The incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 4 p.m., while the plane was still on the tarmac. According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, 39-year-old Montgomery injured himself with a sharp object, causing concern among the passengers and crew.
Montgomery then directed his aggression towards a flight attendant, resulting in two cuts inflicted by the same sharp object. Prompt action by several fellow passengers enabled them to subdue Montgomery until police arrived at the scene. The flight attendant received immediate medical attention for her wounds.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that Montgomery received treatment for his non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital. Subsequently, he was charged with aggravated battery, disturbing the peace, and simple battery, leading to his booking in the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s custody.
Although authorities have not disclosed the motive behind Montgomery’s actions, this incident adds to the growing number of cases involving disruptive passengers on U.S. flights. In 2023 alone, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recorded over 1,000 such incidents across the country, with airlines struggling to manage an unprecedented wave of unruly behavior since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past few years, airlines have reported a significant surge in disruptive incidents, as highlighted by previous records in the industry. Similar incidents have occurred on flights to Las Vegas, resulting in emergency diversions to Denver. These alarming incidents have led to legal consequences, as causing disturbances on airplanes is considered a federal crime, punishable by criminal prosecution and potential fines.
We will continue to monitor this story for further updates. Stay tuned for more information as this situation develops.
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