Passenger duct taped, zip-tied after allegedly attacking flight attendants

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There was a wild and dangerous end to an American Airlines flight as it was about to land in Charlotte that led to a passenger being corralled with duct taped and zip ties, according to federal documents.

A flight from Dallas was getting ready to land Wednesday morning in Charlotte when Charlene Harriott left her seat in the back of the plane and started sprinting for the front door, the FBI said.

How Airline Crews Deals with Unruly Passengers – and What You Should Do How Airline Crews Deals with Unruly Passengers – and What You Should Do (NCD)

Federal documents stated that the plane was just 200 feet above the ground when Harriott ran toward the door.

Out of concern for the other passengers, the flight attendants left their jump seats and chased after Harriott, the documents said.

The federal documents went on to say that Harriott bit, hit and kicked the flight attendants while they tried to restrain her. They were eventually able to use duct tape and zip ties to restrain her in first class.

Federal agents said Harriott caused a major safety and security problem that put everyone at risk.

One of those attendants told Channel 9 she has never experienced anything like that before.

The flight attendant said all flight attendants are trained to de-escalate conflict, but she has never had to deal with something this dangerous.

Court documents show the reporting officer found Harriott sitting in first class, with duct tape and zip ties around her ankles and wrists.

The officer asked Harriott if she needed medical attention but reported she gave the officer "a confused look and appeared to be on drugs."

The flight attendant said the woman had a frightening blank stare, something she's never seen before.

Harriott faces several charges, including assault and battery, but federal officials don’t know why she did it.

The flight attendants weren’t seriously hurt.

Harriott is being held at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse until her hearing, which is set for Tuesday.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• 2 dead after massive 2-alarm fire destroys southeast Charlotte home
• Appalachian State tennis coach suspended over player's comment
• Health officials say 38 more dead from flu in South Carolina
• WATCH: Keith Monday's Thursday forecast outlook
• Robert Wagner a 'person of interest' in Natalie Wood's death
• Fifth arrest made in Burke County kidnapping case; victim still missing

Cox Media Group