Man Charged After Randomly Attacking Sleeping United Passenger During Flight Leaving Victim With Two Black Eyes

Alev Takil/Unsplash

A man from Florida is facing felony charges for allegedly punching a sleeping passenger on a flight from California to Washington, D.C. The attack left the cabin covered in blood, according to a federal complaint. About two hours into the United Airlines flight, 44-year-old Everett Chad Nelson left his seat and went to one of the cabins in the front, according to the Independent.

A United Airlines official told the news outlet that there were 82 passengers and 6 crew members onboard.

What Happened?

Upon leaving the bathroom, Nelson approached seat 12F and suddenly began attacking a sleeping man by punching him multiple times in the face and head, causing bleeding. The attack lasted about a minute until the victim screamed, prompting a bystander to intervene and break up the altercation.

Nelson not only gave the unidentified passenger two black eyes but also cut his nose, causing blood to splatter on the seat, wall, window, and Nelson’s green windbreaker. The complaint does not mention any motive or prior relationship between the two, suggesting the attack was unprovoked.

Per a complaint,

“Nelson had no observable injuries and there was no indication that [the alleged victim] struck him in defense.”

Following the incident, flight attendants relocated Nelson to a front seat, allowing the person who broke up the attack to monitor him for the rest of the flight. Many passengers saw the attack, and a doctor on board treated the victim’s injuries, per the complaint.

“Thanks to the quick action of our crew and customers, one passenger was restrained after becoming physically aggressive toward another customer on a flight from San Francisco to Washington Dulles on Monday …The flight landed safely and was met by paramedics and local law enforcement,”

the United Official told the outlet.

Nelson is scheduled for a detention hearing on Wednesday. He faces one charge of assault by beating in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to one year in prison.

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