Photo: Pyrosky / iStock / Getty Images
A 31-year-old man, Delange Augustin, faces federal charges after allegedly attacking a flight attendant and swallowing rosary beads during a flight from Savannah, Georgia, to Miami. The incident occurred on Monday (March 10) aboard an Envoy Air flight, a regional carrier for American Airlines, which had only eight passengers on board.
According to an affidavit filed in Georgia federal court, Augustin had a violent outburst shortly after takeoff, which included kicking a flight attendant in the chest, sending them flying across the aisle. He also allegedly punched and kicked the seat in front of him. The pilots decided to return to Savannah Hilton Head Airport due to the disturbance.
Augustin, who was traveling with his sister, Medjina Augustin, reportedly told her to "close her eyes and pray because Satan's disciple(s) had followed them onto the plane."
Medjina indicated that the rosary beads, which her brother swallowed, were seen as a "weapon of strength in spiritual warfare."
Upon landing, Augustin attempted to attack another flight attendant but was subdued by fellow passengers. He was arrested by airport police and taken to a hospital for evaluation due to the ingestion of the rosary beads. He was then booked into Chatham County Detention Center.
Augustin has been charged with misdemeanor battery, misdemeanor obstruction of police, and a felony count of criminal property damage. The FBI affidavit suggests there is probable cause to charge him with interfering with a flight crew, a federal offense.
His sister claimed he had no history of mental health issues, and it is unclear if he has undergone psychiatric evaluation. Augustin has not yet retained a lawyer, according to court records.
American Airlines stated that safety and security are their top priorities and appreciated the professionalism of the crew and passengers' understanding during the incident.