Introduction to the Incident
A Massachusetts man was sentenced Tuesday to 26 months in prison for attempting to stab a flight attendant in the neck with a broken metal spoon and trying to open an airliner’s emergency door on a cross-country flight.
Background of the Case
Francisco Severo Torres, of Leominster, pleaded guilty in May to one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon in the March 2023 disturbance on United Airlines Flight 2609 from Los Angeles to Boston.
Sentencing and Consequences
U.S. District Court Judge Patti Saris sentenced Torres to time served, which was just over 2 years. He also will be on supervised release for five years, during which he is prohibited from flying on a commercial aircraft.
Details of the Midair Disturbance
According to prosecutor and witness accounts, Torres went on a midair rant and tried to stab a crew member with a modified metal spoon. The plane was about 45 minutes from Boston when the crew received an alarm that a side door on the aircraft was disarmed, according to court documents. One flight attendant noticed the door’s locking handle had been moved. Another saw Torres near the door and believed he had moved the handle. Cabin pressure during flight prevents airplane doors from opening.
Behavior and Restraint of the Suspect
Torres started loudly rambling that his father was Dracula, that he wanted to be shot so he could be reincarnated and that he would kill everyone on board, one passenger said. He punched a male flight attendant, who felt the metal spoon in Torres’ hand hit him on his shirt collar and tie three times, according to court documents. No one was injured. Torres was eventually subdued and restrained by other passengers. He was arrested when the flight landed at Boston Logan International Airport, authorities said.
Mental Health and Legal History
A lawyer for Torres could not be reached for comment. Torres has spent time in mental health facilities, according to court records. The police chief in his hometown said officers have dealt with him several times since 2014, mostly over family issues and mental health episodes. During one court appearance after his arrest, a federal judge ruled that Torres was not competent to stand trial and that he needed additional treatment. Magistrate Judge Judith Dein based her decision on a mental health evaluation of Torres and her own observations.
Conclusion
The case of Francisco Severo Torres highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and the potential consequences of not doing so. The incident also underscores the need for vigilance and swift action in ensuring the safety of airline passengers and crew.
FAQs
- Q: What was Francisco Severo Torres sentenced for?
A: Torres was sentenced for attempting to stab a flight attendant with a broken metal spoon and trying to open an airliner’s emergency door. - Q: How long was Torres sentenced to prison?
A: Torres was sentenced to 26 months in prison. - Q: Will Torres be allowed to fly on commercial aircraft after his release?
A: No, Torres is prohibited from flying on a commercial aircraft during his five years of supervised release. - Q: What was the nature of the disturbance caused by Torres on the flight?
A: Torres went on a midair rant, tried to stab a crew member, and attempted to open the emergency door of the aircraft. - Q: Was anyone injured during the incident?
A: No, despite the violent nature of the incident, no one was injured.
