JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater ended his career yesterday with a flourish. The 38-year-old activated an emergency exit chute at Kennedy International Airport after a dispute with a female passenger escalated into a case of apparent work rage.
As Flight 1052 from Pittsburgh was in its final taxi to the gate, a female passenger got up and proceeded to get her luggage out of an overhead bin, despite Slater’s attempt to get her to sit back down. Other passengers report that she was outraged and cursing as she flung open the bin, hitting Slater in the head.
The exchange and blow to the head was a decidedly ‘hot button moment’ for the flight attendant, who turned on the intercom, vented with gusto, grabbed a beer and activated the inflatable exit chute as the surrounding passengers stared in shock. Prior to his departure, he was heard to say: “Those of you who have shown dignity and respect for 20 years, have a great ride.”
The flight attendant ran to the employee parking area, got into his car and drove the short distance to his home in Queens. That is where police arrested Slater and led him away in handcuffs. He stood before a judge on Tuesday morning at his arraignment hearing. Bail was set at $2,500 according to his court-appointed lawyer, Howard Turman. Slater chose not to post bail and is currently being held at Rikers Island.
Law enforcement officials have not released the name of the woman passenger because of privacy rule, nor is it clear if she has been interviewed.
Check out more photos and several video reports below: