Flight returns to Savannah after man attacks flight attendants
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - An outbound flight from Savannah to Miami was forced to turn around on Monday night after a man attacked two flight attendants.
According to a federal court filing, the incident happened on an American Airlines flight, operated by Envoy Air, with eight engers and five crew on board. The filing says that right after takeoff, a flight attendant observed a enger, identified as Delange Augustin, “in what appeared to be a fit of epilepsy.”
The filing goes on to say when flight attendants approached Augustin, he kicked one of them, sending them “across the aisle, across the row of seats, and into the far window.” The flight attendant that was attacked felt “pain” and “noted shallow breathing for several minutes.”
The filing says the pilots heard the commotion, and returned to Savannah. During that time, Augustin “increased in agitation, punching and kicking the seat and enger in front of him.”
Augustin calmed down when it was announced the flight would return to Savannah, but before the boarding door was opened after landing, Augustin “stormed the front” of the plane, and attacked another flight attendant. Three engers intervened, holding Augustin to the ground.
Airport Police then boarded the plane. Augustin was taken to the hospital for evaluation, specifically because he had “[ingested] rosary beads.” He was then booked at the Chatham County Detention Center.
Augustin’s sister told an FBI agent that he had told her to pray because “Satan’s disciples had followed them onto the plane and the legion did not want [them]” to make it to Haiti, their destination.
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Augustin is now facing federal charges for interference with flight crew . His booking report from Chatham County also shows he’s been charged with battery and obstruction of law enforcement.
A spokesperson for the company says no injuries were reported due to the incident.
“On March 10, American Eagle flight 4162, operated by Envoy, with service from Savannah (SAV) to Miami (MIA) returned to SAV due to a disruptive enger. Safety and security are our top priorities. We appreciate the professionalism of the entire crew and thank our engers for their understanding,” said American Airlines in a statement.
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