Federal authorities have arrested an Alameda County man after he allegedly assaulted flight attendants while 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, according to authorities, he pulled down an oxygen mask from the overhead compartment shortly after takeoff and began yelling obscenities at the flight attendant.
“We’re all going to hell,” he said, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office. “This plane is going down!”
He then allegedly grabbed passengers and ran to the back of the plane while flight attendants tried to restrain him. Passengers helped restrain Salva using a seat belt after he broke free from flex cuffs.
Salva tried to choke a flight attendant and kicked her about six more times in the leg, causing bruising and swelling, according to federal officials.
The affidavit also claims Salva said he was going to kill everyone.
The flight was diverted to Ontario International Airport in San Bernardino County, because flight attendants did not feel safe trying to put Salva back in his seat.
A passenger later told officials that Salva appeared claustrophobic and appeared to want to get off the plane.
Salva was arrested Wednesday and is charged with interfering with flight crew members and attendants, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted.