Honduran Flyer Released After Assault on American Crew
Joe Cortez January 13, 2022
ABC News reports the unidentified individual was freed by the Honduras National Police, but the airline says they are still seeking penalties against the individual.
Motive for Attacking Cockpit Remains Unclear
The incident took place on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, aboard an aircraft boarding at San Pedro Sula Ramón Villeda Morales Airport (SAP), bound for Miami International Airport (MIA). The New York Times reports as passengers were boarding, the unnamed assailant charged the cockpit, damaging the aircraft and fighting with the pilots. Cell phone video caught at the scene shows the flyer waving and hanging out the window while attempting to escape the airplane.
In a press statement, an American spokesperson said the crew was able to subdue the man before police arrived. He was turned over to the National Police and transported to a hospital for testing and observation.
Nearly 24 hours later, authorities say the individual was released after American declined to press charges over the incident, with a spokesperson telling ABC News “The aggression toward the pilot and crew of the airline was not serious.” The airline claims that they will pursue charges against the flyer, even though nothing has been presented to the authorities.
A motive for the attacks has not yet been identified, but it may not be related to the sudden increase in air rage incidents. The police spokesperson said the individual was acting odd, “as if under the effects of some type of hallucinogen.”
FAA Continues to Increase Penalties for Badly Behaved Flyers
Although the flyer is not facing formal civil charges at this time, it is the latest in an exponentially growing number of incidents involving poorly behaved flyers. To combat the trend, the Federal Aviation Administration has increased the penalties, ranging from the loss of TSA PreCheck privileges to criminal prosecution.
Why would they decline to press charges? These people need to be made examples of, prosecute them to the fullest. Not having people prosecuted doesn't show you are serious about stopping this nonsense
But was he wearing a mask?
Well, don't know why I keep getting the message "your comment contains some words that are not allowed on the site, please change them and try again". What I posted was suitable for admonishing a 4-year-old. Sure would like to be able to find out what words are unacceptable!
WTF American? This dude will be back to damage another one of your planes.
"Nearly 24 hours later, authorities say the individual was released after American declined to press charges over the incident, with a spokesperson telling ABC News “The aggression toward the pilot and crew of the airline was not serious.” The airline claims that they will pursue charges against the flyer, even though nothing has been presented to the authorities."
The affected crew and the company's legal representative in Honduras must go to the Ministerio Público and present a denuncia. It is a different system than in the US. Simply calling the police is not enough.