BOSTON — A man was sentenced to 26 months in prison on Tuesday for a violent incident aboard a United Airlines flight in March 2023. Francisco Severo Torres, hailing from Leominster, pleaded guilty to charges of interference with flight crew members and wielding a dangerous weapon during the chaotic event on the cross-country route from Los Angeles to Boston.

U.S. District Court Judge Patti Saris handed down the sentence, which included the time Torres has already served—just over two years. Following his release, he will be under supervised probation for five years and is prohibited from flying on commercial aircraft during that time.

The altercation aboard Flight 2609 involved Torres attempting to stab a flight attendant with a metal spoon that had been modified for the attack. Eyewitnesses and court documents indicate that the situation escalated rapidly as Torres began ranting inappropriately, expressing bizarre thoughts that included a desire for reincarnation and threats against fellow passengers.

As the aircraft neared Boston, during its approach, crew members noticed a disarm alarm for one of the emergency doors. Observations revealed that a locking handle had been tampered with, raising serious concerns about passenger safety. Although cabin pressure typically prevents doors from being opened in-flight, the incident prompted immediate action from the crew.

Witness accounts depict a disturbing scene. One passenger recounted Torres shouting nonsensical phrases, such as claiming his father was Dracula and stating he wished to harm those on board. During the chaos, he struck a male flight attendant, and the modified spoon made contact with the attendant’s shirt collar, but fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported.

Torres was ultimately subdued by other passengers before the plane landed safely at Boston Logan International Airport, where he was subsequently taken into custody. The situation underscores growing concerns over in-flight security amid ongoing incidents of unruly passengers.

Legal representation for Torres could not be reached for comment on the matter. Court records indicate that his history includes time in mental health facilities, suggesting that underlying issues may have contributed to his erratic behavior during the flight. Local officials noted that Torres had encountered law enforcement on multiple occasions since 2014, often related to family disputes and mental health crises.

During a prior court hearing, a federal judge found Torres unfit for trial, indicating that he required further mental health treatment. Magistrate Judge Judith Dein based her verdict on a comprehensive evaluation and her observations of Torres’ demeanor and capacity to participate in his own defense. This case highlights the critical intersection of mental health issues and public safety in air travel.