Rum Rampage: Unruly Passenger’s Captain Morgan Binge Allegedly Fuels Violent Assault of Flight Attendant, Forces Emergency Landing

(Photo: Jan Rosolino/Unsplash)

A disruptive passenger on board an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Dozeman forced the plane to make an emergency landing at Amarillo International Airport. The passenger was identified as Keith Edward Fagiana and has been charged with interference with a flight crew. Fagiana reportedly admitted to drinking Captain Morgan at several different bars in Las Vegas before boarding the plane. 

According to WPDE, the incident occurred around 1:50 p.m. when the pilot declared a level two threat and diverted to the Amarillo airport. Prior to the emergency landing, a passenger complained about Fagiana “violently kicking” their seat. When a male flight attendant intervened by asking Fagiana to stop, he “yelled expletives” and punched him in the stomach. Then, he stood up and continued to punch the flight attendant at least three more times. Eventually, flight attendants and fellow passengers managed to subdue him and placed him in flex cuffs until police could escort him off the plane.

Before questioning, Fagiana complained that the flex cuffs were causing him discomfort. When police agreed to remove the restraints, he reportedly kicked one officer in the groin and spit on another. Fagiana admitted that his actions were an attempt to avoid arrest. 

According to the criminal complaint, Fagiana claimed he had no recollection of the incident. He confessed to drinking Captain Morgan rum at various Las Vegas bars before the flight, suggesting that alcohol may have played a role in his aggressive behavior.

“Acts of violence are not tolerated by American Airlines and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation,” American Airlines said in a statement.

Fagiana is facing criminal charges and his hearing is scheduled for today. 

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