Deputies arrest Delta passenger, say he cut himself, flight attendant

Aug. 3 (UPI) -- A Delta Air Lines passenger on Wednesday cut himself during a flight and injured a flight attendant after landing in New Orleans, where he was arrested.

Authorities charged Nelson Montgomery, 39, with aggravated battery, simple battery and disturbing the peace in connection with the incident.

Montgomery cut himself with a "sharp object" once his flight from Atlanta to Louis Armstrong International Airport landed Wednesday afternoon, said Jefferson Parish sheriff spokesman Jason Rivarde.

Officials say Montgomery allegedly cut a flight attendant superficially after threatening her.

Fellow passengers came to the flight attendant's aid and held down Montgomery as they awaited for police to arrive inside the plane to take him into custody.

"Delta Flight 2432 operating from Atlanta to New Orleans was met by law enforcement personnel upon landing following a reported customer issue onboard," the airlines said. "Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior on our aircraft and in our airports. Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our people and our customers."

The injured flight attendant was treated at the scene. Montgomery was treated by emergency personnel before he was taken into custody. Authorities said they did not know a motive for Montgomery's actions.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday's incident marked the third arrest at Louis Armstrong International Airport this week, but it was the only one that it involved a significant altercation with a fight crew member.