Thursday, July 23, 2015

Charlotte attorney accused of disrupting international flight

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A flight from Charlotte to London was forced to run around and make an emergency landing in Philadelphia thanks to a reportedly drunk and abusive passenger.

NBC Charlotte has learned that the passenger in question is an attorney with a prominent Charlotte law firm.

Officials say Sarah Buffett admitted to drinking at least three glasses of wine and taking a prescription pill for her insomnia. Reading through the affidavit, NBC Charlotte has learned more about what allegedly happened on the plane.

According to the affidavit, Buffett needed to be physically restrained by another passenger.

"After takeoff, Buffett had become physically aggressive, and was damaging her seat and the area around her seat. She attempted to smash the aircraft window with the entertainment system remote and was verbally threatening. She got out of her seat and was acting in a menacing manner in front of the cockpit door. At that time it was determined by the flight crew she needed to be restrained and the pilot decided to divert the flight to Philadelphia. A passenger had to help physically restrain Buffett, and tape was wrapped around her lower legs."

"I'm out of the country on business until July 29th," says Buffett's work phone voice messaging system. After investigation, NBC Charlotte discovered that Buffett is a partner at Nelson, Mullins, Riley, & Scarborough, LLP. The firm issued a statement saying Buffett has been suspended.

"…The firm does have an expectation of personal responsibility on the part of all of our partners."

Passengers onboard Buffett's flight aren't happy about the inconvenience she allegedly caused. #THANKSSARAHBUFFETT can be found on Twitter, along with posted complaints from several people.

Jane Genova says Buffett should've known the risks associated with her use of prescription medication.

"She is an educated woman, a lawyer, a partner at a major law firm. She should know not to mix alcohol with a sleeping pill, she could've died," said Genova.

Buffett is facing charges for interfering with the crew. She told the FBI she didn't remember the outburst as witnesses described.

Source: http://www.wcnc.com

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