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?(Images from PYOK and American Airlines)A passenger who attacked an American Airlines flight attendant in 2025 has avoided jail time after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.
25-year-old Julius Jordan Priester from Wichita, Kansas was on board American Airlines flight AA3359 on May 27, 2025, when he suddenly jumped up from his seat and yelled for help approximately 30 minutes into the flight. He then grabbed a flight attendant by the collar, shouted "You're coming with me," and forced him to the floor. Another flight attendant attempted to calm Priester and told investigators that it seemed that he was using all his force to pin the victim to the floor and was afraid that he would try to get to the back of the plane to interfere with the doors, according to Paddle Your Own Kanoo. Other passengers intervened and Priester was removed from the victim. The pilot declared an emergency as he was returned to his seat, where he continued to act erratically and make incoherent statements.
The flight diverted back to the Bradley International Airport (BDL), where Priester was arrested and taken to a hospital for evaluation. He reportedly took an edible before the flight departed, Paddle Your Own Kanoo reported, which could have caused the outburst. Prosecutors also noted that he had a history of substance abuse, violence tied to the use of weapons, and probation and parole violations, according to Live and Let's Fly. He was in custody until July 8, 2025, and was released on bond. He then pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with flight crew members and attendants on October 1, 2025.
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On Tuesday, Priester was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to one year of probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine. Restitution will be decided at a later hearing and he received no further jail time.