Man Charged with Assault Following Attack on Sleeping Passenger During Flight

A man has been charged with felony assault following an unprovoked attack on a fellow passenger during a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport in Virginia this week, according to authorities.

Everett Chad Nelson allegedly punched the sleeping passenger multiple times in the face and head, leaving the victim bleeding. The incident, which occurred on Monday, was reportedly stopped by another passenger who intervened and pulled Nelson away from the victim. The assault lasted approximately one minute.

In a statement, United Airlines acknowledged the quick response of both the flight crew and fellow passengers.

“Thanks to the quick action of our crew and customers, one passenger was restrained after becoming physically aggressive toward another customer,” the company stated.

The flight safely landed and was subsequently met by paramedics and local law enforcement.

The flight carried a total of 82 passengers and six crew members. An FBI affidavit reveals that Nelson had left his seat at the rear of the aircraft and used a lavatory located near the front before attacking the unidentified victim, who sustained bruises around his eyes and a cut on his nose. Evidence from the scene indicated that blood was splattered on Nelson’s windbreaker.

Following the assault, Nelson was relocated to a seat at the front of the plane, under the watch of the passenger who had intervened. Authorities reported that there was no indication that Nelson and the victim were acquainted.

A federal magistrate has ordered that Nelson remain in custody until his trial, which is set for December 11 in Alexandria, Virginia. The magistrate cited the substantial evidence against him, as well as his history of unstable employment and residence, in making this decision.

This incident is part of a broader trend, with over 1,700 reports of unruly passengers on flights recorded this year. This figure suggests an increase in such incidents compared to the previous year, following a spike in 2021. Although reports of unruly behavior have declined in the last two years, they continue to exceed levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

With input from the Associated Press.