Bloody passenger subdued on Delta flight after threatening attendant, witness says

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - A passenger is reportedly in police custody after threatening a Delta flight attendant.

WVUE reported that the incident occurred on Delta flight 2432 from Atlanta to New Orleans Wednesday night where the crew and passengers had to subdue a disruptive passenger upon the plane’s landing.

A fellow passenger on the flight, who wished to remain anonymous, told WVUE that authorities were called to offer medical assistance to the unruly man who was bleeding profusely from his neck.

According to the witness, the man put a flight attendant into a chokehold and brandished what appeared to be a piece of broken glass against the attendant’s neck while threatening to cut off her head if anyone came too close.

Eight people subdued the man until law enforcement boarded the plane, the witness said.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office said deputies apprehended the man, identified as 39-year-old Nelson Montgomery, upon landing.

Witnesses say Nelson Montgomery cut his own throat with a shard of broken glass before... — Witnesses say Nelson Montgomery cut his own throat with a shard of broken glass before threatening a flight attendant on a Delta Airlines after landing in New Orleans on Aug. 2.(JPSO)

“Next thing I know she’s in a rear naked choke and he’s got a shot glass to her throat,” a passenger told WVUE. “He had already cut his throat. He was already bleeding when he came up to the front. There was a blood trail on the seats where he was touching seats as he came through.”

Deputies say he is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries and will be booked with aggravated battery, disturbing the peace and simple battery. The flight attendant involved in the incident suffered minor injuries, with deputies reporting two cuts that were treated at the scene.

“Delta flight 2432 operating from Atlanta to New Orleans was met by law enforcement personnel upon landing following a reported customer issue onboard,” a Delta spokesperson said, adding, “Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior on our aircraft and in our airports. Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our people and our customers.”

The sheriff’s office said this was their third airport arrest this week, with this case being the only one involving such a significant altercation with a flight crew.

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