SAVANNAH, Ga. – Court records reveal shocking details about a violent outburst aboard a Miami Flight, during which a 31-year-old passenger attacked a flight attendant, damaged property, and swallowed rosary beads as pilots made an emergency return to Savannah, Georgia.
FBI Affidavit Details
According to an affidavit filed by FBI Agent Savannah Solomon in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, the incident unfolded when the man, who was traveling with his sister, became agitated and warned her before the outburst to “close her eyes and pray” because he believed “Satan’s disciple(s)” had followed them onto the plane.
The Attack on the Flight Crew
The Monday night flight was operated by Envoy Air, a regional carrier for American Airlines, and there were eight passengers on board. The violent episode began soon after takeoff when flight attendants noticed the man exhibiting what appeared to be a seizure-like episode, described as “stomping, incoherent yelling, and shaking.” Concerned for his well-being and the safety of others, a flight attendant approached the man.
However, the situation quickly escalated when the man kicked the attendant in the chest, causing the flight worker to be knocked into a window across the aisle. The violent passenger then turned his aggression toward the seat of the person in front of him, kicking and punching it until the seat collapsed.
Return to Savannah and Arrest
With the situation spiraling out of control, the pilots decided to return to the Savannah airport. Once the plane landed, the man charged toward the exit and began throwing punches at another flight attendant before being subdued by passengers.
Local airport police arrived and apprehended the man, who was then taken to a hospital for treatment after reportedly ingesting the rosary beads. Following medical attention, he was booked into the Chatham County jail on charges including misdemeanor battery, obstruction of police, and a felony count of criminal property damage.
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The Passenger’s Statement
In a bizarre twist, the man’s sister told FBI agents that they were traveling to Haiti to escape religious persecution and described how her brother swallowed the rosary beads because they were considered “a weapon of strength in spiritual warfare.”
According to the sister, her brother was not mentally ill or experiencing any medical issues during the flight.
Federal Charges and Investigation
The FBI affidavit detailed the incident and provided probable cause for charging the man with federal crimes, including interfering with a flight crew.
Federal court records did not indicate whether the arrested passenger had an attorney. The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this unsettling flight.
