Aggressive Passenger On U.S. Airways Now In Federal Custody

PITTSBURGH (KDKA)-  According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a passenger on-board a U.S. Airways flight is now in federal custody after being accused of fighting with flight attendants. Steven Pectol was on a flight from Phoenix headed towards New York.

Federal air marshals state that he was "subdued" by those on the plane on October 11. Due to the disturbance, the flight diverted to Pittsburgh.

According to an affidavit, Pectol began to talk to himself, while throwing his things into the aisle and near passengers. Everyone near Pectol attempted to calm him down. It only escalated as Pectol was advancing towards the door and charged a flight attendant.

Before he could reach the attendant, passengers jumped on top of him and help him to the ground. Flight attendants handcuffed Pectol and used a seat-belt to tie up his legs. Witnesses said Pectol was trying to kick people, while at one point, spitting at a passenger.

The Post-Gazette reports that a federal warrant was issued Pectol yesterday and a federal magistrate ordered him temporary detainment pending a formal detention hearing.

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