During a severe altercation mid-flight from Seattle to Las Vegas, it was alleged that a passenger on Alaska Airlines had schemed to assault and potentially take the life of another individual on board.
On January 24, an incident occurred involving a man named Julio Alvarez Lopez, who was subsequently apprehended at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. As per the documents scrutinized by the investigators from 8 News Now, he was indicted on a charge of “assault with a dangerous weapon”.
Alaska Airlines flyer allegedly stabbed fellow passenger during Vegas-bound flight: ‘Planned on killing him’https://t.co/OMIVb8X26W pic.twitter.com/06tNksDr5I
— New York Post (@nypost) February 22, 2024
It is alleged that Lopez initiated an assault on a man seated across the aisle from him upon returning from the lavatory, even making an attempt to stab him in the eye. Additionally, it is claimed that he attacked the man’s wife as she was shielding their 7-year-old child.
As per the document penned by an FBI agent, amidst the conflict, the wife of the victim was pleading with the accused to cease his attack on her husband. A witness, in response to the situation, unfastened her seatbelt and vociferously demanded the defendant to halt his actions.
Following the horrific event, investigators discovered a makeshift weapon crafted from a collection of pens and rubber bands, according to the documents. It was also reported that Lopez began to vociferously demand to speak only with the FBI.
Eyewitnesses reported to the officials that the scene was covered in blood, and a makeshift weapon, comprised of a pen and tape, was found discarded on the floor. The male individual involved in the incident sustained severe injuries.
A law enforcement officer present on the flight instructed Lopez to take a seat. Meanwhile, the flight crew members made efforts to secure flex cuffs. Subsequently, the accused was restrained with these cuffs for the rest of the journey.
Upon the plane’s arrival at 8:30 a.m., Lopez was taken into custody by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He later confessed that he had orchestrated the attack under the belief that he was being pursued by the mafia. Despite not knowing the victim personally, Lopez admitted that his intention had been to commit murder.
As reported by Fox News, he informed the police of his intention to seek asylum in the United States. He further expressed his suspicion that the victim was associated with “the Cartel” and was pursuing him.
Lopez was found guilty of assault charges by a federal grand jury on Wednesday. A court appearance has been scheduled for Lopez on the 1st of March.
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