SWIFT Flight Chaos: Woman Arrested After Hair-Pulling Incident
Drunken Passenger Arrested After Southwest Airlines Flight Disturbance
Updated June 18, 2025
A New York woman is facing charges after an incident aboard a Southwest Airlines flight at LaGuardia Airport. Leanna Perry, 32, was arrested early Tuesday after allegedly causing a disturbance and assaulting another passenger.
Port Authority police Department (PAPD) officers responded to reports of an intoxicated passenger at Terminal B around 1 a.m. Video footage showed Perry grabbing another woman’s hair and shouting abusive language.Passengers and crew members attempted to restrain her.
even when confronted with video evidence, Perry denied holding the woman’s hair. The situation escalated as she allegedly attacked and verbally abused others while being restrained. She continued her tirade even after being secured with zip-ties, according to reports.
Perry’s offensive behavior included inappropriate comments and claims that she couldn’t breathe, followed by violent kicking.concerned passengers requested intervention due to her aggressive actions.
After the incident, Perry received medical attention before being transferred to the New York City Department of Corrections, according to the PAPD. Southwest Airlines confirmed that the “intoxicated passenger” was removed from the flight and denied boarding.
“The Customer involved in the incident was removed from the flight and denied boarding,” saeid a southwest Airlines representative.
“We commend our Team for their professionalism during the incident,” the representative added.
What’s next
Perry is expected to face arraignment on aggravated assault charges in New York City. Further inquiry into the incident is ongoing.
