Massachusetts Man Arrested and Charged with Federal Crimes After Alleged Attack on Flight Attendant on United Airlines Flight

A Massachusetts man has been arrested and charged with federal crimes after allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit door and attacking a flight attendant on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston on Monday.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Francisco Severo Torres, 33, was on board the flight when a flight attendant noticed the emergency exit door handle had been moved toward the unlocked position. The flight attendant then went to inspect the door and saw that the locking handle had been pushed out of the fully locked position.

When the flight attendant confronted Torres, he allegedly attacked the flight attendant with a broken metal spoon, attempting to stab the flight attendant in the neck three times. The flight attendant was able to fend off the attack and restrain Torres until the plane landed in Boston.

Upon landing, Torres was arrested and taken into custody. He has been charged with one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon. He is currently being held in federal custody and is awaiting trial.

The incident highlights the importance of airline safety protocols and the need for passengers to follow the rules and regulations of the flight. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts is continuing to investigate the incident and is urging anyone with information to contact them.