Anyone not worried about airlines inevitably allowing cell phones should take note of the senior citizen who struck a teenager who would not turn off his iPhone while the plane was taxiing for takeoff.
Sixty-eight-year-old Russell Miller was arrested after the plane landed. He allegedly struck a teen on a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Boise, Idaho.
Miller told police that the 15-year-old boy refused to turn off his phone after directions from the flight crew.
The suspect told police he was “protecting the entire plane and its occupants.”
The police report said Miller smacked the boy with the back of his hand to get his attention. Officers said the incident left a mark on the boy’s shoulder.
He was charged with misdemeanor battery.
Others may wonder about the future outlook of such incidents when the airlines decide to allow cell phones to be used during flights.
By David Wilkening
