‘Erratic behaviour’: US woman, 61, attacks flight crew mid-air prompting emergency landing

The flight was diverted to Boise Airport, where officers detained Barkhimer around 1:30 am local time. She was arrested on two counts of battery and booked into the Ada County Jail, the Boise Police Department confirmed.

Authorities said Barkhimer was restrained during the flight after allegedly attacking the crew. Upon landing, the two victims signed affidavits for a citizen’s arrest. Police did not specify what triggered her behavior.

An Alaska Airlines spokesperson said medics examined the two flight attendants, who were later cleared to resume duty. The flight was delayed by about 90 minutes before continuing to Dallas.

Barkhimer has been banned from flying with Alaska Airlines, the airline said in a statement.
“At Alaska Airlines, safety is our number one priority, and we do not tolerate violence of any kind against our employees,” the spokesperson said, The Independent reported. “We are grateful to our crew for their professionalism and apologise for the concern or inconvenience caused to our guests.”

Public court records show Barkhimer posted a cash bond of $600 later that day. She is scheduled to appear in court again on 4 November.

Alaska Airlines, the fifth-largest carrier in North America, is headquartered in Seattle.