Continental Passenger Accused of Making Threats Faces Federal Charge

March 13, 2006
Joseph Pervis Hebert, 48, of Spring Creek, Nev., was charged with interference with a flight crew, said Fred Alverson, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office.

A man accused of making threats aboard a commuter airplane and punching an off-duty crew member before other passengers subdued him was charged Saturday.

Joseph Pervis Hebert, 48, of Spring Creek, Nev., was charged with interference with a flight crew, said Fred Alverson, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office.

Hebert, who was being held in a Franklin County jail, was one of six passengers on Continental Commuter Flight 8820 that left Cleveland at 12:50 p.m. Friday for Cincinnati, the FBI said.

Investigators would not disclose the alleged threats Hebert made following takeoff. He approached an open cockpit, the FBI said, then punched a male off-duty crew member who challenged him.

The crew member was not seriously hurt. Authorities would not say how the other passengers subdued Hebert.

The pilot diverted the plane to Port Columbus International Airport, where Hebert was arrested by airport police.

Family members reached by phone at Hebert's home in Nevada declined comment Saturday.

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