A man from Washington, D.C. has been taken into custody for making threats towards flight attendants on a United Airlines flight from Houston to New Jersey.
Kedus Yacob Damtew, 38, faces a charge of interference by assault or intimidation for allegedly threatening flight attendants and crew members on a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport on June 12, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Philip R. Sellinger.
Damtew removed his shirt just before landing and pressed his bare chest against a flight attendant, subsequently pinning her against the aircraft exit door while shouting threats of physical harm, according to released documents.
Damtew issued further threats of violence and struck an aircraft oven before confronting the flight attendant, continuing to shout at her and tossing a cup of water, according to the release.
Several passengers assisted the flight attendants and crew in restraining Damtew with flex cuffs, and he was moved to the back of the plane prior to landing.
Damtew was in federal court in Washington, DC on Tuesday, Dec. 10, where he was released. He could be looking at up to 20 years behind bars and a fine that could reach $250,000.
“U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Edward T. Cetnar, for its assistance,” the release said.
“The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”