Federal authorities have arrested an Alameda County man after he allegedly assaulted flight attendants while he was traveling from Orange County to San Francisco, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Charles Angel Salva, 30, of Fremont, was on a Frontier Airlines flight from John Wayne Airport to San Francisco International Airport Monday when, authorities said, he removed an oxygen mask from the overhead compartment shortly after takeoff and began yelling obscenities at flight attendants.
“We’re all going to hell,” he said, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office. “This plane is going to crash!”
He then allegedly grabbed the passengers and ran toward the back of the plane while flight attendants tried to subdue him. Passengers helped subdue Salva using a seat belt after he broke free of the handcuffs.
Salva attempted to strangle a flight attendant and kicked another flight attendant about six times in the leg, causing bruising and swelling, federal officials said.
The affidavit also alleges that Salva said he was going to kill everyone.
The flight was diverted to Ontario International Airport in San Bernardino County because flight attendants felt unsafe trying to return Salva to his seat.
A passenger later told authorities that Salva appeared claustrophobic and looked like he wanted to get off the plane.
Salva was arrested Wednesday and charged with obstructing crew members and flight attendants, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
