For what? >> For misdemeanor simple battery. >> Wait, okay, um >> All right, so >> With what ev- I'm going to sign this, but with what evidence? >> Victim and witness statements. >> I could have told you guys weren't listening to me. The guy next to me I had three witnesses >> It's either NCA or go to jail. On December 25th, 2024, law enforcement responded to a battery complaint aboard a Frontier Airlines flight, raising critical questions about probable cause, charging discretion, and federal versus state jurisdiction. How are y'all? >> Yeah, we got a intoxicated passenger in 41 Bravo. >> Okay. >> Hit a passenger that was sitting right in front of her. >> When you say hit, what do you mean? Like >> That's what the gentleman claimed. He seated right in front of her and said it was an elbow, a hand. >> Do you know do you do you know were there were there any altercations throughout the flight with her or anything like that? >> No. >> We got to talk to him and after she left to tell us about him that he was causing trouble and I said to him I said How much did she have to drink? I could tell she was a little bit and then we had a short conversation and then that's when they escalated. >> Okay. Were there any flight interruptions or anything like that? Flight attendants? >> No, but okay. >> No, but when she gave her cup away >> It was just her vodka soda that had a lime. >> It had a vodka with a lime and it smelled like vodka. >> So she came on board drunk. >> Okay. >> Didn't catch her on board. >> I don't know if you need those. I think you can. >> Right. >> No. >> Okay. Well, do we want to go ahead and get her off the plane? >> Yeah, she's in the last row on your right, 41 B. I know the gentleman does want to claim charges, fresh charges against her. >> Okay, so >> Yeah, no, and that's what I advised him that he's got to talk to >> Is he the guy that was right beside her? >> No, he's in Yeah, we moved her to the last row in 41. He's in row 11. >> Okay. >> 11 D and E. They're husband and wife. >> Can we go ahead and get him off right now? >> Yeah, go ahead. >> Okay. How you doing? >> Yeah. >> You know what I got here? >> Yes. >> Okay, we'll talk real quick. I'll talk to them real fast. >> All right. >> All right, let's just we'll just walk up here. Well, I can talk to you now while we walk. So, can you just kind of describe to me what happened? >> Well, it's when she sat down and it had started at the bar in in the airport. >> Okay. >> She was trying to get my phone number, which I didn't give her, which pissed her off. >> Okay. >> And then uh >> Are you traveling alone? >> No, no. >> Okay. >> No, my wife >> Okay. >> Didn't make her happy either. >> Right, I understand. Let's walk over here. >> But then uh sure enough, when we get on the plane, she's seated right behind us. >> Okay. >> She kept reaching out and touching me and giving me [ __ ] Which I wouldn't have liked that. >> Okay. >> Yeah, if a man did that to a woman Right, all right. But she's reaching out touching me giving me [ __ ] And then when she finally gets up to go to the bathroom takes her elbow and just bashes me in the side of the head. And I'm like, "What the hell?" She goes >> Well, you're in Frontier Airlines, dear. >> I'm like, "Seriously?" And then she goes to the flight attendants and tells them that we've been screaming at her. >> Yes. >> Which not only have we not been screaming at her, but we're sitting in the same row together. >> They were right behind us. >> So, these two are in the same row. >> Okay. He and I are on either side of her behind them. So, I'm on the aisle and he's on the window and she's in the middle. I got on and my kids are my son is sitting next to them and he came at my daughter is across from me. >> Okay. >> And she said, "Is that your husband?" and pointed at him. And I said, "No." And she said, "Good, because he got into it with my aunt. He was a jerk. He's a jerk." And I go, "I don't you know anything about that." >> Who's your aunt? >> Some drunk lady that was trying to sit my seat before I came, apparently. >> Oh, no, she is not her aunt. She doesn't like her. >> Well, and then I had my headphones on and she kept Are you all traveling together? Okay. So are all y'all witness her hit him in the head with this thing? Okay. Okay. Okay. So what happened after she elbowed you? >> Well, I I said what I said what the hell? She goes it's frontier flight, right? Uh-huh. Okay. Okay. Do you have your ID on you by the way? Do you all want >> I want to press charges. >> Okay. Okay. No, I get it. Well, she What's What's a good phone number for you, Miss Long? All right, so you y'all kind of met this lady at the bar in Cleveland? >> We didn't actually meet her. We were getting up to leave and she was like like give me your number. Text us when the >> It was always something simple I don't need that. >> And I was like I was like, "No." So, anyways, once you got on the plane and ended up right behind us, she was already pissed off. >> No, was she sitting directly behind you? >> Directly behind her. And >> So, is there two or three seats on on your side? Three? >> Three on each side. >> And were you left, middle, or window? >> So, I was I was aisle, middle. >> And the >> She was middle. I was aisle, she was middle, and the girl was in the middle right one row behind me. >> Okay. So, you were sitting directly beside her. >> Yeah, beside her. >> Okay. Okay. And what what side did she hit you? I guess it'd be your left side. Okay. Do you have any injuries or anything like that? Do you need to see EMS? Okay. >> But it wasn't an accident. >> So, you felt that it was deliberate? >> aimed it. >> And then as soon as she did it, she said, "You're on a Frontier flight. Deal with it." >> I think I said, "What the hell?" She goes, "You're on a Frontier flight. Like, deal with it." >> Okay. Do you mind if I just get a quick picture of the side of your head? >> That's fine. >> And can you point to where she you feel that she struck you? >> Right in the ear. Hit me right in the ear. >> Okay. >> Yeah. It She didn't >> All right. >> There's no There's no injury. >> The the suspect? Uh I don't I don't know. I haven't made contact with her yet. All right. Hey, here. She's right here. Let me get up with her. There you go. Hey, they're sitting right beside the ticket counter, if you don't mind. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, sir. It's a it's a male and three females. All right. >> Um, hold on. I just wanted to throw this away. Like, my ears hurt. >> You >> And my dad needs to be on the >> What What is that in your hand? >> My gum. I want to >> You can throw it like throw it in your bag or something like that. Or they may have a piece of tissue or something like >> I being treated like I'm the victim in this? >> Okay, look. >> She was harassing me the whole plane. He knows that. I know that. >> look. >> Can we walk into the >> Let me Let me Let me start you off. >> Are you on the phone? >> No, no, no. I just asked >> What? Can my dad talk to you? Ask him to join us well. >> Are you an adult? >> Hello. >> I'll speak to you. I'm not speaking to whoever's on the phone. I don't know who that is on the phone. Okay? So look, I'm also here with airport police. I'm I'm here because there's been an allegation that you struck somebody with your elbow in the side of the head when you got up, okay? >> Yeah. >> Oh. >> You said elbow to their >> To their ear. To the side of their head. >> That sounds like a backwards like you'd be moving forwards towards the bathroom, which is the only time I got up. >> Okay. Um You have You have your Miranda rights. >> Can we go somewhere Dad, what do I do? This guy He was giving some like elbow thing. >> All right. Well, look. Before >> Just can you talk to me somewhere >> Before I ask you Before I ask you any further questions, I'm just going to read you your rights, okay? All right. So listen. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, okay? You understand each of these rights that I've read to you. >> Yeah, seriously. >> I'm not saying you're being arrested right now. But I'm I'm advising you of your Miranda rights, okay? All right. >> go somewhere >> Do you Do you understand the rights that I just read you? I need a verbal answer. Yes or no? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, are you willing to answer questions or make statements without without an attorney being present right now? >> Yeah, it's so loud. Like I can't like the >> I just want to just ask you these questions. >> Can we walk a little >> I'm sure you can you me. >> anything that he just said? >> It's just this It's like so loud. Yeah. >> So, hold on. Look, let me just finish this part. Let me finish this part. Literally, two sentences left, okay? I know that you can hear me. There's no way you can't hear me. I'm not a soft-spoken person, okay? So, look. Are you willing to answer questions or make a statement without an attorney being present right now? After the rights are read to you, you said that you understood them. The next question is, are you willing to answer questions or make statement without an attorney being present? >> well, um >> It's a simple yes or no question. Just you're extending this >> Without an attorney? What about a parent? >> No. >> You're an adult. >> So, I think an attorney would be better at this point. >> Okay. So, you're not willing to answer any questions? Are you willing to talk to me about the allegations that are made against you? >> Can I ask my parents? >> I'm asking you. Are you an adult? >> I think it was >> an adult? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I was talking to my parents, though. >> Okay. >> On the phone they were on the phone >> I just need you to answer this one question. >> a no without a a lawyer? >> Do you have your ID on you? >> Yeah. Yeah, I know. It's just I don't want I want to not talk about this cuz I don't I don't even know what happened to them. >> So, you don't So, you don't want to answer any of my questions? >> Without an attorney, no. >> Okay. All right. So, now I need your ID, okay? >> This is so embarrassing. Parents and other people, though. >> Look, this is not on your schedule, okay? >> Yeah. I Yeah. >> Okay. Do you Do you have your ID on you? >> Yeah, of course. >> Look, I'm not I'm not trying to embarrass you. I just have a job to do, okay? >> No, you're fine. I'm really pissed off. I'm really sorry. I was so confused with Dad. Someone tell Mom she'll be dead if she talks to us. What's up, Dad? >> Okay. >> All right. Dad. >> All right. So, I've you your rights. Are you willing to at least give me a written statement about what happened? >> I just found out what happened. >> You don't remember? >> It's not that I don't remember. To my knowledge, I got up one time to go to the bathroom and this old guy that I was in front of me. Okay? From what I heard from most people that were making fun of the >> Were you sitting on >> I was sitting behind him. In fact, in the plane was a little like >> Were you Were you aisle, middle, or window? >> I was on the middle and so there's this elbow thing. This guy was just Yeah, I mean he made me feel >> So, you got to you got to you got to go to the bathroom, right? >> Why would I intentionally elbow a stranger? I don't know him. >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. The thing is you want to plead your case now and I just read you your rights and you're telling me you don't want to talk to me. >> to you. Dad, are you there? Dad, are you on there? >> Listen. If you want to talk to me then I'll have to read you your rights, okay? Do you understand that? >> But if you don't want to talk >> Then I'll read you your Miranda card back to you. >> down. Dad, what do I do? Can you just help me? They're asking I don't know from what I recall that's like what I didn't like I don't know >> How much have you had How much have you had to drink? How much alcohol? >> I only had one drink on the plane. >> Just one drink. What about What about prior to getting on the plane? >> Oh, at least not now. A lot of bourbon. I'm not supposed to be talking to you without a lawyer, right? >> Okay. Well, again, you're trying to tell me and plead your case. >> Dad, help me. I know I just I didn't know what I did till like right now. >> Okay. So, I'm going to read you your rights one more time. All right. >> Well, I'll try it. Like I'm so frustrated. >> Well, just take a breath, okay? Just take a breath. >> Dad, are you there? >> Yes, yes. >> Can we just listen down? >> Just take a breath, okay? Just let me read this to you. Well, I'll make you a deal. I'll read this to you and then we'll walk up here and I'll let you sit down, okay? Are you willing to answer questions or make statement without an attorney being present? >> No. >> Okay. So, look. I'm I'm tell you to tell you what's going to happen right here. So, first option is I can take you to jail right now. I have every reason I have everything I need to take you to jail right now. I have a victim and I have two witness statements being filled out right now, okay? And everything that you told me just matched up with exactly what they told me, okay? You were sitting in the seat behind him in the middle aisle and you said, "Oh, it's like I would have to be in front of him." No, when you try to get out of the aisle, that's when you elbowed him, okay? >> Purposely? >> And you said and what they're telling me and witnesses are telling me that you said, "Oh, you're on a Frontier flight, deal with it." After you struck him with his or you hit him with your elbow. >> going. What the >> So, what's going to happen is I can take you to jail. However, what what's going to happen is I'm going to direct file it with the state attorney and let them see if I have enough probable cause and I'm going to issue a warrant for your arrest for simple battery. >> Can we walk out of here? I need to sit down. I don't feel well. >> So, if Now, look. Now, if we walk out here and you and you try to take off running or something like that, >> Can we You can like walk with me. Dad, get the lawyer on the phone. This is ridiculous. >> Look, I look >> elbowed in the face on planes before, you know what I'm saying? >> But, okay, well, then that person should have went to jail, too. >> No, no. What are you saying? It's intentional. That's the difference between a shaky plane. It was the plane that grounded. And they're trying to prove you wrong. This guy hated me. >> witnesses saying that you were sitting there kind of constantly pestering him asking about when the drinks are coming out, trying something about phone numbers with this guy everything. >> next to me was Okay, look, I don't want to fight with you because let's just go with the version of the story that includes you being right. >> No, no, no. I want to go with the correct story, okay? I'm not just making up a story. >> Can we just walk out of here? I feel I'm feeling really really trapped. Can I talk to Can I get a cup of water and what's up? >> Uh no. So, what's going to happen here is I my corporal called me and I gave him a update on everything that happened. Um I have enough probable cause to arrest or take her to jail right now, but what we're going to do is we're going to it's called direct file. We're going to send it to the state attorney and they'll probably and as long as they see that we have enough probable cause, they'll sign it and they'll issue a warrant for her arrest for simple battery. >> Okay. >> All right, are you good with that? >> That's That's fine. I just somebody needs to actually have consequences for their actions, you know? Yeah. Let me uh >> Do you think that All right. I will. I just I I wonder why this person would be doing this. Like >> Miss, so can we let's let's let's >> Yeah, you're absolutely >> Let's talk to your dad. >> He's just giving me I just I've never been in this situation. I'm so confused. >> It's extending this further than it >> All right, all right, I got to go. I'm going to We'll even say I'm Let me write the statement. >> Do you Do you want to give a written statement? >> And then I can leave? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> All right, come over here. Cuz you you're not going to be able to write sitting sitting down. >> Excuse us. He was kind of negative and everyone ignored him and then I went to sleep with my earbuds in. I went once to the bathroom. He had a chip on his shoulder and and his like girlfriend was like trying to take videos. >> All right. Well, like I said, I was just advising you of what perjury is, okay? >> So, he's trying to say I like intentionally hurt him? >> Look, I've read you your your rights twice. I don't >> I just want to know what the act like I'm charged with. >> I've told you that. >> I'm just trying to write this. I What is he trying to say I did? Hit him? Elbowed him? >> That you elbowed him in the side of his head. >> Intentionally? >> Yes. >> All right, that's insane. I don't even know him. Why would I do that to a stranger on an airport? >> I don't know. I don't know. >> That's crazy. >> I'm just going to do I'm going to do a NTA. >> No, yes, let's do that. Yes, I'll read it. I'll sign it. It's right. I just want to water. >> Okay. We'll get We'll get you We'll get you a water. >> anything? We'll get you a water. So, look, do you want to sign this? Do you want to sign this? It's just saying that you can answer the questions. >> it, but what's an ND whatever? >> It's a notice to appear. It's like It's a form of an arrest. But it's not a physical arrest, okay? >> Woah, woah, woah, you're doing that to me? >> Yes. >> I have to go to court? >> Yes. >> For what? >> For misdemeanor simple battery. >> Wait, who's Okay, um >> All right, so you >> With what evidence? Yeah, I'm going to sign this, with what evidence? >> Victim and witness statements. >> I could have put You guys weren't listening to me. The guy next to me I had three witnesses. >> It's either NCA or go to jail. NCA or go to jail. Hear me >> Right now is not the time to ask those questions, okay? >> Okay, fair. >> Do what's being asked. >> Okay. >> And then later on when you go to court, those are the times to go ask your attorney. Those are the times to ask. Right now is not those times. We can't answer We can't answer those questions right now, okay? Just >> Okay, we're Okay, you're right. Thank you. I'm sorry. >> no, you're good. >> All right, where do I sign it? >> Right here. Yeah. You just escort her to the bathroom and then if she wants to get a water, I'm going to go back here and You just asked for a water, did you? Because I have to give you some paperwork, okay? And then you'll be on your way. So, yeah, so this is what we're going to do. We're going to do Hello, hello, hello, hello. Look, again, if you try to take off or anything like that, if you refuse to listen to him, you're going to jail. >> I'm not trying to like run away. I just have to go to the bathroom. >> Yeah, I believe there's a water fountain >> I was going to make a joke, but I'm afraid of a joke. >> not listening to me? Because I feel like you're not listening. >> We're going to go to the bathroom here, okay? You're going to go to the bathroom, do what you need to do. And we're going to get you a water, and then we're going to come back here. >> Yeah, but >> Do you understand that? >> I do. >> Perfect. Let's go ahead. >> But can you not Can we ask like this is more of a police escort rather than mandatory cuz I'm really embarrassed? >> All right, well, you're going to be with him. I'm going to go do some paperwork. >> All right. Sheriff. >> My dad was wondering if he can drop these off. He's a kid, so he's obviously misunderstanding. When you hear dad, like it it doesn't matter. >> get the phone out of my face. This is not the first or the second time that I'm telling you I can't talk to your dad. Tell me somebody was yelling over there. When you're talking on the thing? >> That sounds like a bigger problem. Can I go? >> Good try. Right there. >> Merry Christmas. Do you want a cookie my grandma made? >> Miss, sit down. >> I don't know. They're handmade by my grandma. They're really nice. >> Under Title 49 USC Section 46,506, criminal acts committed aboard aircraft fall under federal jurisdiction, extending state law to the federal level. However, officers opted for state prosecution. Simple battery requires three elements, intentional touching without consent causing harm or offense. The prosecution must prove each element beyond reasonable doubt, though officers need only probable cause to cite. The Fourth Amendment requires probable cause for any arrest or citation. Graham versus Connor, 490 US 386 established that reasonableness is judged from the officer's perspective at the moment of decision. Officers gathered victim statements, wife corroboration, two additional passenger witnesses, and flight attendant observations. This multi-source convergence creates strong probable cause under Fourth Amendment standards. The victim's account of the suspect's post-contact statement our Frontier Airlines deal suggests consciousness of guilt and intent. Distinguishing intentional battery from accidental contact in confined spaces, Federal Aviation Regulation 14 CFR section 121.575 prohibits interference with flight crew duties. The flight attendants properly exercised authority by relocating the disruptive passenger to de-escalate mid-flight. Officers chose notice to appear over physical arrest. An NTA is legally an arrest under Fourth Amendment analysis, requiring probable cause, but avoids physical custody while ensuring court appearance. The Supreme Court in Pennsylvania versus Mims, 434 US 106, established officer authority to control subject movement during lawful detention. Officers appropriately directed the suspect's movements in the terminal. Voluntary intoxication does not negate criminal intent under established common law doctrine. Individuals remain legally responsible for acts committed while intoxicated unless involuntarily drugged. The suspect's repeated questioning of evidence demonstrates misunderstanding of roadside versus courtroom procedures. Officers correctly advised that evidentiary challenges occur through counsel in court, not at point of citation. Fifth Amendment due process was satisfied through written notice of charges, court date, and opportunity to contest. The NTA provides all constitutional protections required for misdemeanor citations. The second officer's de-escalation demonstrates best practices, acknowledging emotions, providing clear direction, and offering constructive path forward. This prevented escalation requiring physical arrest. Under most state statutes, battery does not require visible injury. The harmful or offensive contact standard is satisfied if contact would offend a reasonable person's sense of dignity. Officers properly refused family attempts to intervene. Prosecutorial discretion to drop charges rests solely with the District Attorney's Office, not individual officers at scene. The victim's observation about gender dynamics highlights legitimate legal principle. Battery standards apply equally regardless of perpetrator or victim gender. Equal protection under the 14th Amendment. Flight crew followed FAA guidelines by documenting incident, preserving witness information, and coordinating with law enforcement rather than attempting mid-flight resolution of criminal matter. The female passenger receives grade D. Alleged criminal conduct, argumentative behavior during investigation, and failure to understand legal process. Mitigated only by eventual compliance after de-escalation. The male passenger receives grade B+. Exercised restraint, reported through proper channels, cooperated fully, and demonstrated understanding of legal process. Minor deduction for not reporting earlier unwanted contact. Officers receive grade A-. Thorough investigation, proper probable cause development, excellent de-escalation, and appropriate charging discretion. Minor deduction for one officer's confrontational phrasing. Flight attendants receive grade A. Textbook crisis management, early identification, effective de-escalation through relocation, proper documentation, and seamless law enforcement coordination. Key lessons from this case. First, multiple independent witnesses create insurmountable probable cause. Second, voluntary intoxication is not a defense. Third, NTA is appropriate for cooperative misdemeanor suspects. Fourth, de-escalation prevents unnecessary physical arrests. Fifth, roadside is not the venue for legal arguments. For law enforcement, document thoroughly, separate witnesses, explain processes clearly, and use minimum necessary force. For citizens, understand that probable cause is lower than proof beyond reasonable doubt, comply now and contest later through proper legal channels, and consult counsel rather than arguing at scene. For flight crews, early intervention prevents escalation. Relocation is effective de-escalation. Document everything and coordinate with law enforcement. For passengers, respect personal boundaries in confined spaces, understand that alcohol consumption does not excuse criminal behavior, and flight crew authority is legally backed. This case demonstrates criminal justice reform through NTA usage. By avoiding unnecessary jail booking for cooperative misdemeanor offenders, the system balances accountability with proportionate response, reduces incarceration costs, and maintains human dignity while ensuring court appearance. Probable cause requires only reasonable grounds to believe a crime occurred, not certainty. With victim statement, spouse corroboration, passenger witnesses, and flight crew observations, officers far exceeded the probable cause threshold established in Illinois versus Gates, 462 U.S. 213. The legal distinction between simple and aggravated battery turns on injury severity and weapon use. An elbow strike causing no visible injury remains simple battery, a misdemeanor. Had serious injury resulted, aggravated battery charges would apply. Federal jurisdiction was available under 49 U.S.C. section 46,504, which criminalizes assault on aircraft with up to 20 years imprisonment. Officers exercised discretion to pursue state misdemeanor charges instead, demonstrating prosecutorial proportionality. Let us know if there is an interaction or legal topic you would like us to discuss in the comments below. Thank you for watching, and check out our second channel, Street Law, for more police interaction and courtroom content.