NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A Belgian national was arrested on Monday for attempting to breach the cockpit and assaulting flight attendants aboard flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Zurich, Switzerland, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Philip Sellinger announced.
Jan Daeninck, 43, was charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault and intimidation, assault, and abusive sexual contact on an airplane.
According to court documents, on March 31, Daeninck was a passenger on a Swiss International Airlines flight from Newark to Zurich. Shortly after takeoff, Daeninck allegedly walked up to a flight attendant, grabbed both of her breasts with his hands, shook her, and began yelling at her.
After the flight attendant was able to wrest herself away from Daeninck, he then approached and attempted to enter the cockpit, repeatedly striking, kicking and beating the cockpit door, according to prosecutors.
While Daeninck was allegedly attempting to gain entrance to the cockpit, a male flight attendant approached Daeninck. After repeatedly striking, punching, and kicking the cockpit door and failing to gain entry to the cockpit, Daeninck repeatedly punched and kicked the male flight attendant, punching him in the head and upper body.
Flight crew members were able to intervene and were able to restrain Daeninck on the floor in the vicinity of the cockpit door for the remainder of the flight.
Because of Daeninck, the flight turned around and landed back at Newark Liberty International Airport.
He was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
