A California woman who punched a Southwest flight attendant in the face after being asked to wear a mask, breaking the attendant’s teeth, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, the Associated Press reports.
Vyvianna Quinonez, 29, must also pay nearly $26,000 in restitution and a $7,500 fine for the May 23, 2021 incident that took place on a Southwest flight to San Diego, California. She is also banned from flying for three years.
Last year, Quinonez pleaded guilty to one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants. She admitted to punching the flight attendant in the face and head with a closed fist and grabbing her hair in the incident which was captured on video.
On the day of the incident, Quinonez was cited for not wearing her mask properly while boarding the flight. She also violated FAA regulations by unbuckling her belt and pulling down her tray table as the plane descended. When she was asked by a flight attendant to follow the rules, Quinonez responded by pushing the flight attendant.
In the videos taken by passengers that were later shared online, Quinonez can be seen punching the flight attendant in the face and pulling her hair. After a passenger intervened, the flight attendant can be seen with blood on her face. The flight attendant was later treated at a hospital for a swollen eye and a cut that required three stitches. Quinonez also chipped three of the flight attendant’s teeth, two of which needed replacing.
JUST IN: The woman who punched a Southwest Airlines flight attendant in May has been officially charged in federal court with two felonies, including assault and interfering with a flight crew. Vyvianna Quinonez now faces at least 20 years in prison. pic.twitter.com/ghUWkBTGMm
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) September 2, 2021
In a statement, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy said the sentence should “send a very strong message to air travelers — the FBI will vigorously pursue anyone who assaults or interferes with flight crews.”
