A man from Washington, D.C. is facing serious charges after allegedly threatening flight attendants on a United Airlines flight from Houston to New Jersey. Kedus Yacob Damtew, 38, was arrested and charged with interfering with a flight crew on June 12 during a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport.
According to officials, Damtew became disruptive shortly before landing. He took off his shirt, then approached a flight attendant, pushing his bare chest into her and pinning her against the plane’s exit door. As he continued to threaten her, he punched an aircraft oven and even threw a cup of water at her.
Other passengers on the flight quickly came to the flight crew’s aid, helping to restrain Damtew with flex cuffs and moving him to the back of the plane before landing.
Damtew appeared in federal court in Washington, D.C. on December 10, where he was released. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted. The FBI and the Port Authority Police Department helped with the investigation.
As the case continues, Damtew is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
