Passenger Reportedly Made Threats Against A Passenger, Police, FBI

A passenger boarding a Delta Airlines flight in Salt Lake City last Sunday faces federal charges after he allegedly brought a knife on board the plane, and made threats against another passenger and law enforcement officials.

According to a report in the Salt Lake City Desert News, the incident began when 60-year-old David Alan Anderson tried to move another passenger's arm off the armrest between seats in an effort to "claim" it, and then put his foot on the other person's leg. The other passenger reportedly told Anderson "you're going to have to move over," and about five minutes later, Anderson allegedly told that passenger "If I have a knife, I would slit your throat."

Anderson was observed fumbling in his carry-on bag and seen with something cupped in his hand. While he denied having a knife on the plane, a consensual search of his bag found a pocket knife with a 3 1/2 inch blade. Anderson was taken into custody.

The complaint against him says that while at the police station, he made other threats against both local police and FBI agents. He reportedly smelled slightly of alcohol, but "did not appear to be drunk." He is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon on an aircraft, and retaliation against a federal law enforcement officer by threat of murder.

FMI: www.fbi.gov, www.slcpd.com