Joshua Smith Mugshot – Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Arrested Following Stabbing Incident, Courtesy of New Orleans Police Department
Authorities in New Orleans, Louisiana, have arrested a Delta Airlines flight attendant accused of slashing a coworker’s neck and injuring a hotel security guard who tried to step in.
A shocking and violent incident involving a Delta Airlines flight attendant has made headlines nationwide. Joshua Smith, a 36-year-old flight attendant, is behind bars in New Orleans after allegedly slashing a coworker’s neck and cutting a hotel security guard who tried to intervene.
The disturbing altercation unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning at a Poydras Street hotel, following a night of heavy drinking that reportedly left Smith ‘blacked out.’ As authorities piece together the events, here is what we know so far.
Related |Tragedy Strikes Manor Senior High: The Fatal Stabbing of Darrin Loving
Details of the Altercation Involving Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Joshua Smith
According to the New Orleans Police Department, as shared in a statement with NBC News, the altercation began when Smith returned to the hotel with several coworkers after a night out. Witnesses reported that Smith began acting erratically, prompting one of the flight attendants, the victim, to try to escort him to his room.
During this attempt, Smith allegedly cut her twice in the arm and once in the neck. The victim managed to escape to another floor to seek help, but Smith followed her. A hotel security guard who intervened was also injured, sustaining a cut to his thumb. Both the victim and the guard were treated for their injuries, with the victim being transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
The New Orleans Police Department further detailed the incident, noting that Smith and several coworkers had returned to their hotel when the argument began.
"The victim escorted the suspect to his room at which time an argument ensued and the suspect cut the victim twice on the arm and once to the neck," the statement read. "The victim relocated to another floor of the hotel to seek help, and the suspect followed her." Additionally, "A security guard attempted to intervene, and the suspect cut him on the thumb," police added.
Charges Against Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Joshua Smith
Smith now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated assault
- Simple battery
Smith’s attorney, Thomas Calogero, stated that his client was heavily intoxicated at the time and has no recollection of the events, describing the situation as a blackout. “I don’t believe there was intent to murder,” Calogero said, suggesting that the charges could be reconsidered as the case moves forward. While Smith was initially booked on charges of attempted murder, Calogero argued that his client should not face that charge once the case is presented to prosecutors, as reported by NBC NEWS.
Delta Airlines' Response to the Incident
In a statement to WSB-TV Atlanta, Delta Airlines issued a strong response regarding the incident:
"Delta has zero tolerance for violence against or among our people and will fully cooperate with law enforcement officials."
Joshua Smith's Career in Jeopardy
The legal and professional repercussions for Joshua Smith are expected to be severe. His attorney, Thomas Calogero, acknowledged that Smith is unlikely to retain his position at Delta Airlines, stating, “I’m sure he’s going to lose his job.” Calogero also expressed doubt that Smith would ever be able to work as a flight attendant again, adding, “I don’t think so. I mean, I’m sure he’s going to lose his job at Delta. I expect him to.”
Shaneatra Jones Speaks Editor’s Note: The information in this story was current at the time of publication. However, as this is a developing case, details may change.
About The Author
Discover more from Shaneatra Jones Speaks: The Inner Thoughts of A Modern Woman
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
