Man arrested in California after allegedly kicking and attempting to choke flight attendant

Federal authorities have arrested an Alameda County man after he allegedly attacked flight attendants on a flight from Orange County to San Francisco, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Charles Angel Salva, 30, of Fremont, was aboard a Frontier Airlines flight from John Wayne Airport to San Francisco International Airport on Monday when, shortly after takeoff, he pulled an oxygen mask from the overhead bin and began yelling obscenities at flight attendants, according to authorities.

“We're all going to hell,” he said, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. “This plane is crashing!”

He then allegedly grabbed passengers and ran to the back of the plane, where flight attendants attempted to restrain him. Passengers helped restrain Salva with a seatbelt after he broke free from the handcuffs.

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According to federal officials, Salva attempted to choke one flight attendant and kicked another in the legs about six times, causing bruising and swelling.

The affidavit also alleges that Salva said he would kill everyone.

The flight was diverted to Ontario International Airport in San Bernardino County because flight attendants did not feel safe enough to put Salva back in his seat.

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A passenger later reported to officials that Salva appeared claustrophobic and seemed as if he wanted to leave the plane.

Salva was arrested on Wednesday. He is accused of obstructing flight crew and flight attendants, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.