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ARLINGTON, VA (BFMG) — A Washington, D.C. man has been charged with interfering with a flight crew after allegedly threatening and assaulting flight attendants on a United Airlines flight from Houston to Newark Liberty International Airport.
Kedus Yacob Damtew, 38, faces one count of interference by assault or intimidation, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. The incident occurred June 12 aboard a plane approaching its destination in New Jersey.
Court documents allege Damtew removed his shirt shortly before landing and aggressively confronted a flight attendant, pushing his bare chest against her and pinning her against the aircraft exit door while shouting threats of physical violence. Damtew then reportedly punched an aircraft oven, continued yelling threats, and threw a cup of water at the same flight attendant according to PEOPLE
Several passengers assisted the flight crew in restraining Damtew using flex cuffs. He was moved to the back of the plane until the flight landed safely in Newark.
Damtew appeared in federal court in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10 and was released pending further proceedings. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the FBI and the Port Authority Police Department for their roles in the investigation. “The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” Sellinger said in a statement.
United Airlines has not yet commented on the incident.
