Shirtless Man Pinned Flight Attendant Against ‘Aircraft Exit Door’ and Threatened Violence, Say Authorities

Mar. 15, 2025

A Boeing 777-222(ER) from United Airlines is taking off.Photo:Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Getty

Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Getty

A Washington, D.C. man has been arrested for threatening flight attendants on a United Airlines plane traveling from Houston to New Jersey.

Damtew took off his shirt shortly before landing and “pushed his bare chest into a flight attendant” before “pinning” the attendant “against the aircraft exit door” as he shouted threats of physical violence, according to documents, per the release.

A United Airplanes jet.Gary Hershorn/Getty

Gary Hershorn/Getty

Damtew shouted more threats of physical violence and “punched an aircraft oven” before catching up with the flight attendant as he continued to shout at her “and threw a cup of water,” the release added.

Damtew appeared in Washington, DC federal court on Tuesday, Dec. 10 where he was released. He faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

A United Airlines planes in San Francisco International Airport.Getty

Getty

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

“The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

PEOPLE has reached out to United Airlines for comment.

source: people.com