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Who is Nelson Montgomery? New Orleans man arrested for striking Delta flight attendant with 'sharp object'

Nelson Montgomery, 39, had to be restrained by several passengers until the flight landed and he was taken away by authorities

KENNER, LOUISIANA: A Delta Airlines passenger was detained on Wednesday, August 2, for allegedly hitting a flight attendant with a "sharp object," according to authorities. The passenger, who was flying to New Orleans, was restrained by several other passengers until deputies arrested him.

Delta Airlines said in a statement, "Delta flight 2432 operating from Atlanta to New Orleans was met by law enforcement personnel upon landing following a reported customer issue onboard. 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."

Who is Nelson Montgomery?

According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Nelson Montgomery, 39, was arrested after reportedly striking a female flight attendant with a "sharp object" and causing superficial wounds. As per NBC News, the incident took place aboard a Delta aircraft from Atlanta to Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. According to a statement from the sheriff's office, Montgomery was also injured because of the object.

Later, Montgomery received medical attention at a hospital before being charged with aggravated battery, disturbing the peace and simple violence. He has been placed in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. A police mugshot showed a bandage on his neck.

According to court records, Montgomery was accused of domestic violence, aggravated assault, carrying a weapon without a license and felony assault in 2012 in New Orleans. He also had a minor offense in Jefferson Parish in 2003, per the records.

Why did Nelson Montgomery attack the flight attendant?

Montgomery allegedly cut himself with a sharp object around 4 pm and then attacked a flight attendant. According to WVUE-TV, he was reportedly bleeding heavily from the neck. A passenger claimed that Montgomery was holding what seemed to be a piece of broken glass against the flight attendant's neck and threatening to hurt her if anyone approached too closely. It was not immediately apparent what sparked the violent outburst and whether Montgomery had hired a lawyer who could speak on his behalf or how long he might serve in prison if found guilty. It is not known if he faces any penatly from the airlines.