An unruly California man is now facing federal charges after he asked a Southwest Airlines flight attendant if she’d like to see his penis before urinating right on the floor of the cabin.
33-year-old Samson Hardridge of Lancaster was on a Southwest flight to Burbank from Dallas last Friday when he left got up to go the restroom and began harassing the inflight staff.
The flight attendants ended up having to notify the captain of Hardridge’s alleged actions and the plane was diverted to Albuquerque, where authorities took him into custody.
In a news release, prosecutors from the District of New Mexico said, “Hardridge allegedly had his hands in his pants and asked if the flight attendant wanted to see his penis. The flight attendant declined and again requested that Hardridge remain on the carpeted area of the aisle.”
The news release explains that “Hardridge allegedly proceeded to the door near the rear galley of the aircraft and began urinating in the corner. A second flight attendant informed Hardridge he could not urinate there and Hardridge allegedly became very hostile. Hardridge allegedly yelled and threatened the flight attendants and infringed on their personal space.”
Hardridge made his first appearance in federal court for charges he interfered with flight crew members and attendants earlier this week and will remain in custody until a detention hearing scheduled for today.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
