A disturbing incident at the Rapid City Regional Airport has led to the arrest of a 68-year-old Hopewell, Virginia, man for allegedly interfering with the performance of a flight crew member and flight attendant on United Airlines Flight 6089.
According to sources, Kennedy Runner threatened to kill passengers on the aircraft, prompting an immediate investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The incident occurred on March 28, 2014, and resulted in Runner’s arrest pursuant to a federal Criminal Complaint.
Runner appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 1, 2014, and requested a preliminary hearing on the Complaint. He was subsequently remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge against Runner is merely an accusation, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
A trial date has been set for June 3, 2014. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
The severity of the allegations against Runner is a stark reminder of the importance of air travel safety and the need for swift action in cases of interference with flight crew members and attendants.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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