A passenger's flight to Miami took an unusual turn when he attacked a flight attendant and ingested rosary beads, according to court records. The incident occurred on an Envoy Air plane shortly after takeoff from Savannah, Georgia, prompting an emergency landing.
As cited by WSVN, the man, 31-year-old Delange Augustin, initially appeared to be having an epileptic seizure, with symptoms including "stomping, incoherent yelling, and shaking," according to an FBI affidavit. His behavior escalated when he allegedly kicked a flight attendant across the aisle and began hitting the seat in front of him. His sister then reportedly asked to "close her eyes and pray because Satan’s disciple(s) had followed them onto the plane."
Upon the plane's return to Savannah, Augustin continued his disruptive behavior, attempting to charge the exit and throwing punches at another flight attendant. He was eventually subdued by other passengers, as detailed in the affidavit obtained by The New York Times.
Augustin's sister, whose identity was not disclosed, informed authorities that they were traveling to Haiti to escape what they described as religious attacks of a spiritual nature. She also explained that Augustin consumed the rosary beads, believing they served as a source of strength in spiritual warfare. After receiving treatment at a hospital for ingesting the beads, Augustin was taken to the Chatham County jail on charges of misdemeanor battery and felony criminal property damage.
Although no serious injuries were reported among the eight passengers aboard, the case remains under FBI investigation for potential federal crimes. Court and jail records do not list an attorney for Augustin, and his place of residence is currently unknown.
