Thursday, March 29, 2012

US Airways passenger who attacked crew says she 'panicked'


Two days after being hauled off a US Airways flight, accused of violently attacking the flight crew, Peggy Sanchez is talking for the first time in an exclusive interview with NBC-17 News.

NBC-17 reporter Jonathan Carlson witnessed the aftermath of the incident Tuesday and spoke with the flight crew that was allegedly attacked.

"I have been having a lot of personal problems," said Sanchez by phone from Florida.

The 50-year-old New Jersey mom was arrested after the Charlotte to Ft. Myers plane landed in Florida. That's where she remains, and bonded out of jail.

The flight crew claims she became enraged when denied booze.

When asked if she was drunk on the plane, Sanchez replied, "I wouldn't say drunk. I had taken my medication and I had one drink."

She says a combination of those medications, the alcohol and anxiety caused her to panic. She had been taking the medication after suffering the loss of a loved one.

"I became panicked. I said, 'Help me! Help me!' I couldn't breath."

Sanchez says she doesn't remember slapping, kicking and spitting at the flight attendants as they claim. She was restrained by the crew and an off-duty deputy, and was held in the back of the plane until it landed.

Photos taken of Sanchez after the plane landed show her crying at the gate and paramedics trying to calm her.
Sanchez says she wants people to know the regret she feels.

"I'm so sorry. I want to apologize to the airline and to the nation -- everyone," Sanchez said. "Oh God, I am so embarrassed."

When asked if she will fly anytime soon, Sanchez remarked, "I don't think so. I don't think they will allow me."
Sanchez is awaiting a court date and could face federal charges.

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