A Cuban national, Raul Ramos Tamayo, 31, has been charged with destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities following an incident on a flight to Houston. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the charges.
Tamayo is currently held on unrelated charges and is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho on March 3 at 2 p.m.
The incident occurred on February 4 aboard Frontier Airlines flight 4856 from Denver, Colorado. According to the charges, about 30 minutes after takeoff, Tamayo allegedly began punching the seat in front of him and subsequently started striking the window in his row with his fists, causing damage.
Flight crew members reportedly sought assistance from law enforcement officers or able-bodied passengers onboard. Several individuals responded and restrained Tamayo using flex cuffs provided by the airline.
U.S. Attorney Ganjei emphasized the importance of passenger safety: “When the public flies, they need to feel confident that they are doing so under safe conditions.” He noted that with Houston's two major international airports serving tens of millions annually, the Southern District of Texas remains vigilant in prosecuting those who threaten passenger safety.
If convicted, Tamayo could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The FBI conducted the investigation into the incident, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel is handling prosecution duties.
It is important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation and not evidence; a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.