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Miami, FL - A flight heading to Miami was forced to return to Savannah, Georgia, after a passenger allegedly assaulted a flight attendant and caused chaos in the cabin.
Court documents reveal the incident occurred Monday night on an Envoy Air flight, a regional carrier for American Airlines.
According to an affidavit filed by FBI Agent Savannah Solomon, a 31-year-old male passenger became disruptive shortly after takeoff, displaying erratic behavior that resembled a seizure.
Witnesses reported him stomping, yelling incoherently, and shaking in his seat.
When a flight attendant approached to check on the situation, the passenger allegedly turned and kicked the attendant in the chest, sending them backward into a window across the aisle.
He then began kicking and punching the seat in front of him, which collapsed after the occupant moved away, authorities said.
As the disturbance escalated, the pilots made the decision to turn the aircraft back to Savannah.
Upon landing, the suspect reportedly attempted to rush toward the exit, throwing punches at another flight attendant before being restrained by passengers.
Airport police took him into custody, and he was transported to a hospital after swallowing a set of rosary beads.
He was later booked into Chatham County Jail on charges including misdemeanor battery, obstruction of police, and felony criminal property damage.
The man's sister, who was traveling with him, told authorities that they were flying to Haiti to escape what she described as "spiritual attacks."
She stated that her brother had urged her to “close her eyes and pray” before the incident, claiming they were being followed by Satan’s disciples.
She further explained that he ingested the rosary beads because he believed they held protective power in spiritual warfare.
Despite the chaotic episode, no serious injuries were reported among the eight passengers onboard.
Court records do not list an attorney for the suspect at this time.