An Oregon resident has taken legal action against American Airlines, asserting the carrier failed to protect her from a sexual assault by a fellow passenger who appeared visibly intoxicated before and during a recent flight. The lawsuit alleges negligence in allowing the man to board and remain seated next to her, resulting in a distressing encounter shortly after takeoff.
Passenger’s Account: Drunken Behavior and Assault
According to the complaint, the woman spotted the man drinking several alcoholic beverages at an airport bar before boarding the flight from Missouri to Portland. She claims he made unsolicited comments about her appearance, making her uncomfortable, and that staff allowed him to board despite smelling strongly of alcohol. Once onboard, he allegedly sat beside her, remarked that it was “his lucky day,” and began encroaching on her personal space.
As the plane ascended, the lawsuit states the man started groping her without consent. She repeatedly asked him to stop and even tried to alert flight attendants, but the contact continued until she was eventually moved to another seat.
Crew Response and Arrest After Landing
The complaint notes that the flight’s captain reported the alleged assault during the journey. Upon landing at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, local police reportedly detained the man, identified in court documents as 40-year-old Justin Eldon Knotts. The woman was allowed to disembark first to give her statement, followed by the suspect, who also spoke with officers.
A flight attendant allegedly witnessed the man’s inappropriate contact toward the woman and also reported seeing him grope another crew member. Due to the incident, the plaintiff missed her connecting flight and had to stay overnight in Dallas before returning home the next day.
Legal Claims and Airline Statement
The lawsuit names American Airlines, regional partner SkyWest, and the accused man as defendants, citing negligence and a failure to safeguard passengers. The woman’s legal team is seeking accountability for the distress and disruption caused by the event.
In response, American Airlines stated that passenger and crew safety is a top priority and that it is reviewing the complaint.
