Frontier Airlines passenger accused of attacking attendants, screaming death threats

Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A man who allegedly attacked flight attendants and threatened to kill everybody on the plane during a Frontier Airlines flight in Orange County, Calif., was arrested on charges of interference with flight crew members and attendants.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office for the Central District of California, Charles Angel Salva, 30, of Fremont, could get 20 years in a federal prison if convicted.

Salva thrust his hand into the overhead oxygen mask compartment as the plane took off and was still climbing Wednesday.

"Salva allegedly began yelling obscenities at flight attendants and said, 'We are all going to hell,' and 'This airplane is going down!' Salva then grabbed at fellow passengers and ran towards the rear of the airplane when flight attendants tried to restrain him," the U.S. Attorney Central District of California Office said in a statement.

Salva allegedly tried to choke a flight attendant during the episode, leaving two small marks on the victim's neck.

Slava threatened to kill everybody, according to a court affidavit. He broke out of flex cuffs and was restrained by a seatbelt.

In a statement to USA Today Frontier Airlines confirmed the incident "involving a passenger who physically assaulted members of the flight crew and had to be restrained, forcing the flight to divert to Ontario, California."

He had just spent the weekend at Disneyland. He claimed to investigators that he was a "child molester" and told them he acted out because he was afraid people on the plane were "trying to get him to admit his crimes."

The flight was diverted to Ontario International Airport. Both the FBI and the Ontario Police Department are investigating the incident.

According to the affidavit, Salva felt claustrophobic and got his hand stuck in the overhead compartment, becoming agitated and sweaty while shouting and then assaulting flight attendants.

Passengers assisted in restraining Salva.