Woman accused of smoking, swearing and hitting attendant on flight
By Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published June 19, 2008 at 8:49 p.m.
Updated June 19, 2008 at 8:49 p.m.
Photo by Police photo
Christina Szele in an undated police mug shot.
Chaos broke out aboard a JetBlue plane after a flight attendant snatched a cigarette out of a woman's mouth, court records say.
Christina E. Szele, 35, is accused of flouting no-smoking rules and swearing and screaming racist slurs at a flight attendant, whom she allegedly socked in the jaw.
Szele, of Woodside, N.Y., was charged Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Denver with assaulting a flight attendant and interfering with a flight crew.
The pilot diverted the New York-to-San Francisco JetBlue flight to Denver International Airport on Tuesday. Frightened flight attendants and passengers said that a kicking, cursing woman was endangering everyone aboard, according to an FBI agent's arrest warrant statement.
Veteran flight attendants told the FBI that they never had faced such a disruptive passenger. A fellow traveler said that the woman was "beyond control" and "putting the plane in danger by thrashing about."
Flight attendants said they restrained the woman with plastic flex cuffs but that she slipped free to punch the flight attendant and threatened to kill him, the FBI statement said.
The ordeal began when flight attendant Dorotea Negoescu seized a cigarette and matchbook from the woman as she waited to use the airplane lavatory.
Smoking is illegal on U.S. commercial flights, with violators facing a $1,000 fine and a $2,000 fine for anyone tampering with a smoke detector in a plane's lavatory.
Flight attendant Naomi Garcia then found the woman "nonchalantly smoking at her seat," court records stated.
Flight attendant Paul Whyte said he snatched the cigarette out of the woman's mouth, telling her that she was "endangering everyone on the flight."
Whyte said that the woman accused him of punching her in the mouth, but the flight attendant told the FBI that he didn't touch her.
Because the woman was sitting in an emergency-row exit, Whyte told her for safety reasons that she would have to move to a front row. She began to kick and scream, Whyte told the FBI, so he bound her hands with the flex cuffs.
The woman slipped free and threw the plastic cuffs, allegedly hitting Garcia in the chest. When Whyte returned to place a second pair of cuffs on the woman, she allegedly punched him in the jaw.
The woman, who is white, then began swearing and shouting racist slurs at Whyte, who is black, according to several witnesses.
Whyte said he felt threatened when the woman said, "I'm going to get you" and threatened to kill him, according to court records.
During the struggle, flight attendant Garcia had an asthma attack and needed to use an inhaler.
The cuffed woman kept swearing, kicking a bulkhead wall and stomping the floor until the plane landed in Denver, witnesses said.
In a DIA holding cell, the woman told the FBI that she'd had two beers before the flight and three vodka drinks on board, but that she has a "high tolerance" for alcohol and felt fine.
She didn't recall smoking at her seat or hitting anyone, the FBI statement said. "If she did, she had to have been drunk during the flight. She blamed the crew for serving her the three vodka drinks," the FBI agent wrote.
A flight attendant said that the woman was just served one drink.
The woman said "she normally curses a lot" and "often uses the 'F' word," the FBI agent wrote.
Passenger Jason Caron said that the woman was "completely out of line" and "disruptive beyond control."
Szele, who is being held at Jefferson County jail, is scheduled for a detention hearing Monday in U.S. District Court in Denver.
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June 19, 2008
7:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
LingLingfor_prez writes:
Thanks for making this a race issue, I don't see it making any difference. But I guess if RMN wants to focus on the assault of words vice the physical assault, that is on them.
June 19, 2008
7:56 a.m.
Suggest removal
BlueSled writes:
Um LingLing, "racist epithets" are a direct part of the story. Just ask the flight attendant that was assaulted. Why don't you write a thoughtful post that that we can actually benefit from?
June 19, 2008
8:08 a.m.
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Bagel writes:
If someone lit up a cigarette next to me on a plane I think I'd punch them in the face. I'm all for doing whatever you want to do to your own body, but that's just rude.
June 19, 2008
8:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
CUBUFFINSUNDEVILCOUNTRY writes:
That's ok..The Post did the same, as did the AZ Repulsive (Republic) down here in PHX, bringing in the race card. Hi, I'm Steve, and I am a Pollack....Darn, so did I. Oh, That means I am still anglo? But, if people call me a pollack, isn't that racial. Grow up people..I am European-American!!...lol. Stupid Left Wing liberal news slant. Whoops, now I am politically attacking someone. This nation needs to take a big dose of Xanax and relax, on the homefront issues, and put your concerns and worries over to our kids, friends, former comrades in the Arab Region, and stop with the political correctness. I guess now this is starting all over again, that's a good sign that Barrak Osama will be the next Prez..here come the "don't offend anyone" police again. I smoke, and know I can't Light up on a plane ( and I have respect for all of those who don't. If I am in an area where no-one smokes, I will go outside, even if it is 117 here, and then wait 5 minutes to "air out " before I return.). I fly PHX to the east cost all the time. I can go 4 hours without ( just give me a bunch of Cherry Jolly Ranchers :) ). And, I am a 2 pack a day smoker. I guess this lady will enjoy her 20 years at a Federal Correction facility ( hello Quincy and Kipling? ) for Interference and Assult of a flight crew, and the $250,000 fine. What an idiot.
June 19, 2008
8:11 a.m.
Suggest removal
airbornebigfoot writes:
gotta love a good "nicotine fit" story.
this story fails to tell if this lady was trapped on the aircraft for any length of time. I mean, the airlines will stick you in the aircraft, then park out on the tarmac, waiting for a spot on the runway. and that often takes hours.
sounds like this gal from new yahk ran all out of patience,
and needed a smoke.
I love it that she slapped a flight attendant,too.
hopefully it knocked some sense into her head.
as a single guy, I found out long ago not to get between a lady and her 'smokes!
June 19, 2008
8:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
gunner writes:
The problem with whites (I'm white, BTW) and racism is that they never see it. Someone shouts "FU" and uses the "N" word and whites dismiss that as just one crazy person -- like they dismissed lynchings in the south with phrases like, "he must of had it coming" or "the boys were just out having some fun."
Wake up, people. Racism is alive and well in this country. If the flight attendant were a white woman and the smoker called her the "C" word, don't you think that would be a significant fact in the story?
And to BeefEaterGrins: Lighten up? I bet if someone punched you in the face you wouldn't want to "lighten up" you'd want to smash them into oblivion.
June 19, 2008
8:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
gunner writes:
Totally missed the point -- as usual.
From the story: "Flight attendants said they tried to restrain Szele with flex cuffs, but she managed to slip out of them and allegedly PUNCHED an attendant in the face."
Stop grinning and learn to read.
June 19, 2008
8:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
MarkL writes:
BeefEaterGrins, do you honestly not see what a jackass you're being? Or how hypocritical your response to BlueSled was?
And yes, someone was punched in the story. Perhaps you should try focusing a little more on the article and less on your smartass comments.
June 19, 2008
8:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
LingLingfor_prez writes:
Hopefully they lay down the law on this clown. Gunner, if the flight attendent was white, the law would probably put out the same punishment since it will be the feds, but RMN would not report that sort of thing because race becomes a one way street with the press.
June 19, 2008
8:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
ToriEllis007 writes:
"Flight attendants said they tried to restrain Szele with flex cuffs, but she managed to slip out of them and allegedly punched an attendant in the face.."
Sounds to me like she was punched.
Whats going on with people nowadays, who just lights up on a plane? Thats been illegal for how long?!? I hope the feds give this chick the max, she deserves it.
June 19, 2008
9:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
ToriEllis007 writes:
Steele,
"Szele was on a JetBlue flight Tuesday from New York to San Francisco when she began smoking a cigarette in her seat, prosecutors said. "
Seeing as how they had to land here in Denver, im guessing it was not possible to be 15 feet away from the door, seing as how they were in the air when all this occured.
June 19, 2008
9:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
opinionatedcolo writes:
So to clear about your position lingling, even if some apparently drunken assaultive fool says "racist epithets" the paper should not report those to protect your delicate sensibilities and your desire to deny that racists exist. Just for future reference, what other areas of discussion will you be censoring in the future, so I can know what topics to avoid so that you can keep your head in the sand.
June 19, 2008
9:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
DougH writes:
LingLingfor_prez .. Why are you making some kind of a big racist deal out of this ? The RMN News correctly reported that the smoker allegedly started cursing and yelling racist epithets. That's just part of the story. Try getting over this, everything you read in a news story is not some kind of plot against mankind. it's just a news story.
June 19, 2008
9:26 a.m.
Alive writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
June 19, 2008
9:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
LingLingfor_prez writes:
opinionatedcolo,
The paper should be reporting ALL of it. What they do is report it when it fits their agenda and that's it. I never denied racists exist, but if you want to keep your "head in the sand" thinking it is only one race with the racism, that's on you.
June 19, 2008
9:39 a.m.
Suggest removal
vudumom writes:
freethought, I got it. I'll call it the plane joke, It went right over their head.
June 19, 2008
9:44 a.m.
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LingLingfor_prez writes:
I thought the place joke was good, in Seattle it is 25ft away though, lol.
June 19, 2008
10 a.m.
Suggest removal
SockRayBlue writes:
CUBUFFINSUNDEVILCOUNTRY
I'm half Polish. Stop spelling "pollock" as "pollack". It makes you sound like a dumb pollock.
No wonder people tell Polish jokes............Stash.
June 19, 2008
10:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
BroncoRick69 writes:
Obviously the lady was a little looney. Who tries to smoke on board an airplane? Why didn't she just chain smoke about 10 of them before she got on the plane? Have a couple of drinks and take a nap.
By the way I am totally offended by the pollock jokes. pffft.
June 19, 2008
10:52 a.m.
DarnTootin writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
June 19, 2008
11:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
Bagel says, "If someone lit up a cigarette next to me on a plane I think I'd punch them in the face."
Me too and I'm a smoker. They should have dumped a bucket of their non-potable water on her and then cuffed her.
June 19, 2008
11:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
Narcissistic, childish behavior.
Everyone else on the plane were able to follow the rules. If you can't control yourself for the duration of the flight - take the bus!
June 19, 2008
12:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
Justin_Credible writes:
So typical of those racist New Yorkers.
June 19, 2008
12:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
JB writes:
I loved the plane joke.
As a smoker, I would have clocked this looney toon! Seriously, people ought to be required to get a permit before being out in public!
June 19, 2008
1:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
O_TRAIN writes:
Maybe she looked out the window and thought she saw a Gremlin eating the wing and thought, oh well I'll have a smoke.
We could arm the flight attendants with squirt guns - "to extinguish and serve"
June 19, 2008
1:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
opinionatedcolo writes:
All of what lingling? Was there some other drunk moron yelling stuff on a plane that was suppressed or censored? Your conspiracy theories are both boring and illogical. If you want websites that back up your, "white folks are the real victims" agenda, I am sure you can find them.
June 19, 2008
1:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
HolierThanThou writes:
This is why I take the bus.
June 19, 2008
1:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
rmnreader writes:
jjonseof writes:
"GIVE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS STUN GUNS!!!!!!"
I think that's a great idea! Too many crazies out there that could harm innocent people in the confined space of an airplane.
June 19, 2008
2:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
GK writes:
She sounds just like a Republican.
June 19, 2008
2:26 p.m.
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renored writes:
Can't we all just (sniff), get along.
June 19, 2008
2:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
alanbl writes:
I love flying these days. It's so relaxing. Plus, you get to fraternize with the most sophisticated elements of society.
June 19, 2008
3:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
nonayerbsns writes:
in lieu of the 9/11 silliness, I am very surprised that the entire cabin full of passengers didn't haul a can whoop-a$$ on this little brat. My guess is, she thinks she's cute and is hoping to get time on the morning news shows. I'll bet anyone 5 bucks that it happens.
And to the author of the story: she 'socked' him? I mean, really: does anybody use that phrase anymore? (please, correct me if I'm wrong, it just sounds so Andy Griffith... or his son, Opie Cunningham)
June 19, 2008
4:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
jammer writes:
At least she didn't spit on anyone :o)
20 years for having a hissy fit? Give her a 3 month time out... NO SMOKING in prison
June 19, 2008
4:05 p.m.
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DarnTootin writes:
She's from New York. That explains much of her actions.
June 19, 2008
4:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Squatch writes:
Damn she is Super Sexy. She might want to mix in a little Chapstick.
June 19, 2008
5:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
Hedz writes:
Are you sure that was nicotine she was smoking??? If I had to guess I'd say it was crack.......
June 19, 2008
5:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
davies writes:
freethought: I got your joke, and I didn't get steel's, if he really was making one. For what it's worth.
We can go back to arguing on some other story ;-)
June 19, 2008
6:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
me2 writes:
It really was the non-smokers fault, I mean they chose to inhale. (Joke). =^..^=
June 19, 2008
7:14 p.m.
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joggle writes:
Wow, the affidavit is pretty clear. This is not the kind of woman you want to go have a drink with, and that is the understatement of the day.
June 19, 2008
8:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
Escape writes:
I am guessing she had a bit of xanax in her system.
This one time, flying out of DIA, I took too many xanax and one too many jack daniels and, i'll tell you whhhat, that plane wasn't but two feet off the runaway when I got up to go to the bathroom.
Well, you would a have thought I was trying to high-jack that plane..........
June 19, 2008
8:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
alanbl writes:
I love flying these days. It's so relaxing. Plus, you get to fraternize with the most sophisticated elements of society.
You forgot the sarcasm switch....
Your comment should be expanded to include the flight ( fight ) attendants...
Because we used to have stewards and stewardesses before the PC hit the fan...
Give me the old days of flying, when it used to be FUN...
June 19, 2008
8:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
happymike44 writes:
Not all crackers come in a box.
Whoops am I bad?
I flew the last time in 1997 and believe me that was enough.
I got a seat mate who was so big he was in my seat and and his.
Then on my way home someone else who had not bought their ticket in time tried to get mine.
So they could travel onto their destination uninterupted.
That was when I decided to not fly anymore who needs the hassle.
The employees themselves were great it was just the other weirdo's who make it a nightmare.
June 20, 2008
7:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
Hambone writes:
This woman looks so sleazy, straight outta Jersey!
June 20, 2008
8:13 a.m.
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jason45 writes:
Probably normal behavior for a "New Yorker"........ This woman is a nut case....
June 20, 2008
10:10 a.m.
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gr8fuldude writes:
As Rod Stewart said, "With a face like that, you got nothing to laugh about"...
June 22, 2008
6:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Janis writes:
Sorry, but I don't think she deserves 20 years in prison for exercising very poor judgment after the flight attendants served her a drug (alcohol) that ruins judgment. People aren't perfect; they have problems and they fall down. I doubt she was a 'threat' or 'danger' to the other passnegers. She's just a poor soul with a lot of problem. Where's your humanity, people? Airlinees should stop serving alcohol on board. It does no one any good.
I'll be praying for Christina.