United Flight Attendant Tapped Someone on the Shoulder, Then Ended Up Under Arrest

United Flight Attendant Arrested for Battery After Incident at Tampa International Airport

In a recently surfaced incident, a United Airlines flight attendant found himself in handcuffs after an altercation with another crew member. The events unfolded on March 8 at the Tampa International Airport, with newly released body camera footage shedding light on the situation.

The trouble began when officers responded to a report of a battery incident on a bus in the airport’s employee parking lot. The altercation involved two female flight attendants from Cayman Airlines. According to the victim’s statement to the police, she was at a bus shelter speaking on the phone in French when the male United flight attendant approached and allegedly made derogatory comments towards her.

The woman claimed that during the bus ride, the flight attendant tapped her on the shoulder and threatened to get her fired from Cayman Airlines. When confronted by law enforcement, the flight attendant explained that he had asked the woman to be quiet as she was being disruptive. He admitted to placing his hand on her shoulder to request her cooperation, which led to his arrest for battery.

The body camera footage captured the tense interaction between the flight attendant and the officers, with one officer explaining the legal implications of the physical contact. The Florida statute defines battery as intentional and unwanted physical contact, prompting the flight attendant to acknowledge his actions.

While the flight attendant was taken into custody, he was later released with the expectation that he would appear in court. The case, which named Frederick Fleischmann as the defendant, was ultimately dropped by the State of Florida on May 16.

Despite the incident, neither United Airlines nor the Tampa International Airport Police Department offered any immediate comments on the matter. The flight attendant’s attorney, Michael Haworth, declined to provide a statement when contacted by press.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect in the workplace, especially in high-stress environments like airports. It highlights the need for clear communication and conflict resolution skills to prevent such confrontations from escalating into legal issues.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees and passengers is crucial in the aviation industry. By addressing incidents promptly and following legal protocols, airlines can uphold their commitment to providing a secure and comfortable travel experience for everyone on board.