The FBI has detained a man named Everett Chad Nelson after an alleged violent assault on a sleeping passenger aboard a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport. Nelson is set to face trial on December 11, 2024, for the incident, which left the victim with bruising and cuts.
Key Takeaways:
- Who is Everett Chad Nelson? Nelson is the passenger accused of assaulting a sleeping man on a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Dulles International.
- Nelson allegedly punched the victim, who was deaf, repeatedly in the face, drawing blood before being restrained by another passenger.
- Nelson awaits trial and is in federal custody, with the FBI and FAA reviewing the incident as part of efforts to curb in-flight violence.
- Quick intervention by passengers and the United crew allowed the flight to proceed safely, with medical aid provided upon landing.
Who is Everett Chad Nelson?
According to an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the incident occurred about two hours into the flight on Monday at approximately 12:30 p.m. Nelson reportedly left his seat at the back of the plane, walked to the front bathroom, and, upon exiting, stopped by seat 12F. There, he allegedly began striking a sleeping passenger in the face and head without any prior interaction. Witnesses reported that the victim, who was deaf and used sign language to communicate, sustained bruises around his eyes and a cut on his nose from the attack, which left blood spattered on Nelson’s green windbreaker.
A fellow passenger quickly intervened, pulling Nelson away and assisting the injured man. Following this, Nelson was seated at the front of the plane, monitored by the passenger who intervened, and the onboard doctor provided medical care for the victim’s injuries. According to United Airlines, the crew acted promptly, helping restrain Nelson until the flight landed safely and law enforcement boarded to arrest him.
Nelson remains in federal custody awaiting his December trial, with a one-day court presentation expected by the prosecution. Neither Nelson nor his federal public defender has commented on the case. The FBI is conducting an investigation, with support from the FAA, and plans to review the event as part of ongoing efforts to address unruly passenger incidents.
A United Airlines representative praised the quick action of both the flight crew and other passengers, who helped contain the situation and ensured the plane landed without further incident.
The FAA has reported over 1,700 incidents involving unruly passengers in 2024. Under federal law, civil penalties for such behavior can reach up to $37,000 per violation, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are handling similar cases.
