A Delta Airlines passenger allegedly assaulted a flight attendant after drinking excessively during his trip. A man on a flight to Alaska has been accused of forcing himself on one of the cabin crew members on the flight, reports the New York Post. During this attempt, the person also broke a tray of Captain’s food. The passenger involved in the incident has been identified as 61-year-old David Allen Burke, who was traveling from Minnesota to Alaska to settle the estate of his deceased friend.
As a first class passenger on a Delta Airlines flight, Burke was entitled to drinks before take off from Minneapolis. However, he is not served a drink due to flight regulations, causing him to become “snippy” with the flight attendant. After take off, Burke was served his drink of choice by the same flight attendant who later allegedly became the victim of Burke’s assault.
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While the plane was taking off, Burke reportedly paused in the galley to compliment the flight attendant before requesting a kiss. He reportedly felt awkward and was caught off guard and refused advances. After which, Burke allegedly grabbed her neck, pulled the attendant toward him, and kissed her neck.
The flight attendant reported the incident to other crew members and escorted Burke away until he returned to his seat. Later, he was informed by a different flight attendant that Burke had damaged a dish on a tray that contained food for the captain.
According to the New York Post, after the plane malfunctioned, the pilot contacted the airport to report the incident. At the time, Burke appeared “wasted” and fell asleep on the plane after drinking three glasses of wine.
Burke denied breaking the dish, kissing the flight attendant, or being intoxicated during police questioning. He did, however, admit to having consumed alcohol prior to the flight. Before being released on his own recognizance, the passenger was charged with interfering with flight attendants and making a false statement. Burke is due in court on April 27 on charges of assault and criminal mischief.