Incident on Chicago-to-Germany Flight
Introduction to the Incident
A man is facing federal charges after he allegedly stabbed two teens with a metal fork on a flight from Chicago to Germany, causing the flight to divert to Boston.
Details of the Incident
According to federal prosecutors, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, a 28-year-old Indian national, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in connection with the October 25 incident. Usiripalli was on Lufthansa Flight 431, which departed Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport bound for Frankfurt, Germany on Saturday.
Alleged Actions of the Suspect
During the flight, it is alleged that Usiripalli stood over a sleeping 17-year-old, and when the victim awoke, he stabbed him in the left shoulder with a metal fork. The suspect then allegedly lunged at a second 17-year-old, stabbing him in the back of the head with the fork. The suspect then allegedly slapped a female passenger and attempted to slap a flight crew member before he was finally subdued, federal officials said.
Aftermath of the Incident
The flight was diverted to Boston’s Logan International Airport, and Usiripalli was taken into custody. Federal officials said the suspect did not have lawful status in the United States, and had previously been in the country on a student visa.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in federal prison on the assault charges, along with a fine of up to $250,000.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of maintaining safety and security on flights. The actions of the suspect are alarming and have serious consequences. The diversion of the flight and the arrest of the suspect demonstrate the swift response of authorities to such incidents.
FAQs
What happened on the Chicago-to-Germany flight?
A man allegedly stabbed two teens with a metal fork, causing the flight to divert to Boston.
Who is the suspect?
The suspect is Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, a 28-year-old Indian national.
What are the charges against the suspect?
The suspect is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft.
What are the potential penalties for the suspect?
The suspect faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
