News Summary
A flight from Savannah to Miami was forced to return after an unruly passenger, Delange Augustin, assaulted a flight attendant. His erratic behavior raised safety concerns, leading to the emergency landing. The situation escalated, resulting in his arrest and charges for battery and interference with a flight crew.
Savannah Flight Incident: Passenger Arrested After Flight Attendant Assault
In an unsettling turn of events, a regional flight from Savannah, Georgia, to Miami took a drastic detour when a passenger became highly aggressive shortly after takeoff. This wild incident happened on Monday night, involving just eight passengers and five crew members aboard the aircraft.
Unruly Passenger Takes Control
The traveler at the center of the chaos has been identified as 31-year-old Delange Augustin. Reports indicate that Augustin began displaying violent behavior almost immediately after the plane took off. Flight attendants noticed that he was yelling incoherently and stomping his feet, which raised alarms among the crew as they tried to maintain order in the cabin.
According to sources close to the incident, Augustin’s sister shared that he seemed troubled, urging her to “close her eyes and pray because Satan’s disciple(s) had followed them onto the plane.” This unsettling statement hinted at a serious mental or emotional disturbance that escalated quickly during the flight.
Flight Crew’s Concerns Grow
As the situation continued to spiral out of control, the flight attendants grew increasingly worried about Augustin’s well-being. They suspected he might have been experiencing a medical episode, perhaps akin to a seizure. This concern was short-lived, however, as Augustin quickly turned aggressive, kicking one flight attendant in the chest. The impact sent the attendant crashing into a window across the aisle.
Escalation Leads to Emergency Measures
After the initial physical attack, things only got worse. Augustin didn’t stop there; he began delivering kicks and punches to the seat in front of him, escalating the situation even further. Faced with the threat to their crew and passengers, the pilots made the critical decision to return the aircraft to Savannah.
Safety First: Emergency Landing
Upon landing, a tense and chaotic scene unfolded. Augustin attempted to charge toward the exit, throwing punches at another flight attendant. Luckily, other passengers stepped in, restraining him until authorities arrived. Airport police promptly apprehended him and brought the unsettling situation under control.
A Curious Twist: Swallowing Rosary Beads
In an even stranger development, Augustin reportedly swallowed rosary beads, claiming they served as “a weapon of strength in the spiritual warfare.” Following this bizarre act, he was taken to a hospital for evaluation. After receiving necessary care, he was later booked into the Chatham County jail on several serious charges, which included misdemeanor battery, obstruction of police, and a more severe felony for criminal property damage.
Federal Charges: A Serious Confrontation
Legal documents indicate the presence of probable cause for charging Augustin with interfering with a flight crew. This is no light matter, as such charges can lead to significant repercussions in federal court. The unsettling nature of this event leaves everyone involved with lingering concerns about safety and mental health support on flights.
Impact on Crew and Passengers
Luckily, despite the chaos, no serious injuries were reported among the crew or fellow passengers. However, the flight attendants expressed feelings of fear, shock, and physical pain stemming from the unsettling encounter. The situation highlighted serious concerns regarding their safety while on duty.
A Complex Journey
It’s worth noting that Augustin and his sister were en route to Haiti, hoping to escape what she described as “religious attacks of a spiritual nature.” This complex background adds another layer of understanding to this shocking airline incident.
As of now, Augustin was released from jail on March 11, 2025, but not without facing the legal consequences of his actions. The incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise in the skies and the importance of maintaining order and safety on commercial flights.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Savannah’s Ports Experience Unprecedented Growth
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Flight Forced to Turn Back
- Savannah Now: FBI Agent Files Complaint
- ABC News: Pilot Killed in Plane Crash
- Insurance Journal: Southeast News
- Wikipedia: Aircraft Security Incident
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
