NYC Woman’s In-Flight Meltdown Sparks Viral Outrage
A 32-year-old woman identified as Leanna Perry has been arrested after causing chaos aboard a Southwest Airlines flight at LaGuardia Airport, New York City. The incident, involving a violent outburst before takeoff, quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention on social media and prompting questions about airline safety and passenger conduct.
What Happened on the Flight?
According to the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD), Perry was intoxicated and became aggressive shortly before departure. She grabbed a fellow female passenger by the hair and launched into a loud, offensive tirade, targeting multiple people around her.
Other passengers and airline staff tried to intervene, urging her to let go. Despite holding tightly onto the passenger’s hair, Perry bizarrely claimed she wasn’t touching anyone. As the situation escalated, she kicked at bystanders and airline crew attempting to restrain her.
Verbal Abuse and Disruption
As crew members subdued her with zip ties, Perry continued shouting offensive and explicit insults at passengers. Among the vulgar comments, she mocked another woman’s boyfriend, adding fuel to an already tense scene. At one point, she claimed she couldn’t breathe and collapsed between seats, intensifying the drama onboard.
Arrest and Medical Evaluation
Authorities responded swiftly. Perry was removed from the aircraft in handcuffs, examined at a local hospital, and then transferred to the custody of the New York City Department of Corrections. The PAPD confirmed she has been charged with aggravated assault.
Airline Responds
Southwest Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the disruption. A spokesperson said:
“The Customer involved in the incident was removed from the flight and denied boarding. We commend our Team for their professionalism during the incident.”
Passenger Safety Under Scrutiny
This latest outburst adds to a growing list of in-flight passenger incidents, raising concerns about managing disruptive behavior in confined environments. While no one was seriously injured, the incident underscores the importance of strong safety protocols and trained crew response.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on air travel safety and breaking stories from across the skies.