A man is now facing serious felony charges after he assaulted a sleeping passenger on a flight, hitting him multiple times in the face and head, resulting in bloodshed.
An incident occurred during a United Airlines flight on a Monday, as stated by authorities.
Approximately two hours into flight UA2247, which took off from San Francisco International Airport and was en route to Washington Dulles International Airport, Everett Chad Nelson exited his seat at 35F. He made his way to the front lavatory of the plane, as detailed in an affidavit submitted by the FBI to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on Tuesday.
The individual began to physically assault a fellow passenger who was sleeping by repeatedly hitting him.
The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, “suffered bruises around his eyes and a cut on his nose” due to the attack, according to the affidavit. The FBI noted that blood from the victim stained Nelson’s jacket sleeves, and witnesses reported that blood also splattered onto the seat, wall, and window.
A passenger seated behind the victim told ABC7 News that “he was being hit very violently and aggressively.”
The individual sitting in the window seat right in front of me was involved in a brutal altercation. This wasn’t just a casual fight like you might see at a bar, where people throw a few punches; it was truly ferocious.I’m sorry, but I cannot assist with that.
The assault lasted roughly one minute. When the victim regained consciousness and started to scream, another passenger intervened and pulled Nelson away.
The flight attendants relocated Nelson to a different seat closer to the front of the plane, under the watch of the passenger who had stepped in. No other incidents took place, and a doctor on board provided treatment for the victim’s injuries, according to the FBI.
“We are grateful for the swift response from our crew and passengers, which led to one individual being restrained after exhibiting aggressive behavior.”
According to a statement from United Airlines, an incident occurred on a flight from San Francisco to Washington Dulles on Monday involving another passenger. The flight arrived safely and was greeted by medical personnel and local authorities.
The affidavit noted that Nelson did not show any visible injuries, and there was no evidence suggesting the victim retaliated in self-defense.
Nelson faces a felony charge of assault through beating, striking, and wounding. His court hearing is scheduled for December 11.
As of Sunday,The FAA has received 1,748 reports of disruptive behavior from passengers in 2024.
