A Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany made an unexpected stop in Boston after a passenger allegedly stabbed two teenage passengers with a metal fork during the meal service.
According to NBC News, the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, has been charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to do bodily harm following the violent mid-air incident. Authorities said that Usiripalli was arrested after the flight landed at Logan International Airport in Boston on Saturday. The flight, which was en route to Germany, was diverted after the crew subdued the attacker.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that both victims were 17-year-old passengers traveling on the flight.
RELATED STORIERS: British Airways Flight Attendant Caught Naked Mid-Flight in Business Class Bathroom After Alleged Drug Use
Teen Victims Describe Shocking Mid-Air Attack
Court documents and witness statements describe a terrifying series of events that unfolded shortly after the in-flight meal service began.
One of the 17-year-old passengers reportedly fell asleep in the middle seat and woke up to Usiripalli standing over him with a metal fork. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement that Usiripalli “lunged at the teen and struck him in the left clavicle before stabbing another 17-year-old passenger in the back of the head.”
The second teen sustained a laceration to the back of the head, though both victims are expected to recover.
Suspect Restrained After Disturbing Behavior
After the stabbing, Usiripalli’s behavior reportedly became increasingly erratic. According to officials, he “formed a gun with his fingers, put it in his mouth, and pulled the trigger.” He then slapped a female passenger and attempted to slap a flight crew member before being fully restrained.
The flight crew managed to control Usiripalli with the help of passengers until the aircraft safely landed at Logan International Airport, where he was taken into custody by federal authorities.
He now faces federal assault charges and could face additional counts depending on the investigation.