SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) – A flight bound for Miami was forced to return to a Georgia airport after a man allegedly attacked two flight attendants.
WTOC reports the incident happened Monday night on an American Airlines flight, operated by Envoy Air, with eight passengers and five crew members on board, according to a federal court filing.
The filing says that right after takeoff, a flight attendant observed a passenger, identified as 31-year-old Delange Augustin, “in what appeared to be a fit of epilepsy.”
When flight attendants approached Augustin, the filing alleges he kicked one of them, sending them “across the aisle, across the row of seats, and into the far window.” The flight attendant that was attacked felt “pain” and “noted shallow breathing for several minutes.”
The filing says the pilots heard the commotion and returned to the airport in Savannah, Georgia. During that time, Augustin allegedly “increased in agitation, punching and kicking the seat and passenger in front of him.”
Augustin calmed down when it was announced the flight would return to Savannah, but before the boarding door was opened after landing, the filing alleges Augustin “stormed the front” of the plane and attacked another flight attendant. Three passengers intervened, holding Augustin to the ground.
Airport police then boarded the plane. Augustin was taken to the hospital for evaluation, specifically because he had “[ingested] rosary beads.” He was then booked at the Chatham County Detention Center.
Augustin’s sister, who was traveling with him, told an FBI agent that he had told her to pray because “Satan’s disciples had followed them onto the plane and the legion did not want [them]” to make it to Haiti, their final destination.
Augustin is now facing federal charges for interference with flight crew members. His booking report from Chatham County also shows he’s been charged with battery and obstruction of law enforcement.
WTOC reached out to American Airlines for comment. A spokesperson for the company responded that no injuries were reported due to the incident.
“On March 10, American Eagle flight 4162, operated by Envoy, with service from Savannah (SAV) to Miami (MIA) returned to SAV due to a disruptive passenger. Safety and security are our top priorities. We appreciate the professionalism of the entire crew and thank our passengers for their understanding,” said the airline in a statement.
Read the full complaint below:
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