Shocking Mid-Flight Assault on United Airlines Flight
A Florida man, Everett Chad Nelson, 44, has been charged with felony assault after allegedly sucker punching a sleeping passenger during a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., on Monday. The complaint alleges that Nelson randomly attacked the male passenger, drawing blood and leaving him with severe facial injuries.
Unprovoked Attack Leaves Cabin in Blood
The incident occurred approximately two hours into the five-hour flight. Nelson left his seat and approached the sleeping passenger, punching him repeatedly in the face and head for a full minute, according to the complaint. The attack left the cabin splattered with blood, covering the victim’s seat, the wall, the window, and Nelson’s own clothing.
No Apparent Motive or Prior Altercation
The complaint provides no motive for the assault, stating that Nelson had no visible injuries and there was no indication that the victim had struck him in self-defense. Investigators found no evidence of a preexisting relationship between the two men, indicating that the pummeling was seemingly unprovoked.
Heroic Intervention and Aftermath
A Good Samaritan intervened, pulling Nelson off the victim. Flight attendants moved Nelson to a seat up front, where he was monitored until the flight’s landing. The victim received medical attention from a doctor onboard, while the flight landed safely and was met by paramedics and law enforcement.
Increased Unruly Passenger Reports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) classified the incident as a “Level 2 disturbance,” denoting physically abusive behavior. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported a steady increase in unruly passenger incidents, with 1,748 reported so far in 2024, approaching the 2023 total of 2,076.
Legal Consequences
Nelson faces a single count of assault by beating, striking, and wounding in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison. The FBI has jurisdiction over in-flight crimes, and violators can face felony records and fines.
Continued Investigation
Cadence Mertz, a public defender assigned to Nelson’s case, has not commented on the allegations. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further details may emerge in the coming days.
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