FORT WORTH- A passenger aboard American Airlines (AA) flight from Bradley International Airport (BDL) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) faces federal charges after allegedly assaulting a flight attendant mid-air.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) reported the incident occurred on May 27, prompting an emergency landing.
Julius Jordan Priester, 24, allegedly dragged a flight attendant across American Eagle Flight 3359, operated by Envoy Air (MQ), before passengers intervened. The flight diverted back to BDL, where authorities detained Priester.
Photo: By Aaron Davis – Gallery page http://www.instagram.com/threshold.productions, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92713161American Airlines Passenger Arrested
According to the US Department of Justice, 24-year-old Julius Jordan Priester of Wichita, Kansas, has been charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants.
This federal offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
The incident occurred on the evening of May 27 aboard American Airlines Flight 3359, which had departed Bradley International Airport (BDL) en route to O’Hare International Airport (ORD) at approximately 9:30 PM.
Court records reveal that Priester suddenly stood up during the flight, began removing his shirt, and shouted “Help me!” while running toward the rear of the aircraft.
He then allegedly approached a seated flight attendant, shouting “You’re coming with me,” and forcibly dragged the crew member to the floor.
He is further accused of attempting to pull the attendant up the aisle before being restrained by fellow passengers.
Following this outburst, Priester was returned to his seat but continued exhibiting erratic behavior and speaking incoherently.
In response, the flight captain declared an emergency, and the aircraft rerouted near New York’s Finger Lakes region, ultimately returning to its origin airport. The plane landed safely at BDL just before 11 PM.
Photo: EmbraerEmergency Landing and Legal Proceedings
Upon landing, Priester was taken into custody by Connecticut State Police and transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
On May 29, he appeared in US District Court in Hartford before Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish. He was ordered to be detained until a bond hearing set for Friday.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident, working alongside Connecticut State Police.
American Airlines (AA) issued a statement on the matter, emphasizing its zero tolerance policy for violence on board.
“We do not tolerate violence, and we thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their assistance,” the airline said.
The flight involved was operated by Envoy Air, an American Eagle regional carrier, and had been bound for Chicago before being forced to return due to the disturbance.
Photo: EmbraerAirline Security Priority
Incidents involving interference with flight crew members are taken seriously by federal authorities, especially in the post 9/11 era, where flight safety is paramount.
Airlines continue to enforce strict codes of conduct for passengers, and federal law provides significant penalties for disruptions that threaten the safety of crew and travelers.
This case underscores ongoing challenges in managing in-flight behavior and highlights the need for continued vigilance and quick action by crew members and passengers alike when safety is compromised.
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