Attacked Off-Duty Crewmember On Flight

A federal judge ordered a psychological evaluation Monday for Joseph Pervis Hebert, the man accused of assaulting and threatening to kill an off-duty crewmember aboard a Continental Connection flight last week.

Hebert, 48, is charged with assault on an aircraft, inference, and attempted interference with flight crew members by assault or intimidation, according to a complaint filed by the FBI and reported by the Associated Press.

About 40 minutes into the flight from Cleveland to Cincinnati last Friday, Hebert allegedly began speaking loudly as he sat behind an off-duty airline employee who Hebert said was a federal air marshal. The man then began to choke the uniformed crewman, and threatened to kill him.

Hebert also said he wanted the plane to return to Cleveland, and made pistol and rifle shapes with his hands. Authorities say he also made statements about guns and bombs.

Flight 8820 diverted to Port Columbus International Airport, where authorities took Hebert into custody.

On Monday, US Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King ordered Hebert held at a psychiatric center for no more than 30 days, during which time is it to undergo evaluation before a court hearing to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.

FMI: www.dhs.gov