Airline Employee Assaulted, Darien Man Charged In Miami: Reports

DARIEN, CT — A Connecticut man was arrested Monday after police said he assaulted an American Airlines employee at Miami International Airport before takeoff, according to multiple media reports.

Bruno Machiavelo, 29, of Darien, was arrested on aggravated battery, battery, disorderly conduct and resisting an officer charges, WTNH reported.

Machiavelo, who said he experienced panic attacks in the past, had requested medication from his checked-in luggage, but when a flight attendant said she couldn't retrieve it, a decision was made to take him off the plane, NBC Miami said.

As an American Airlines manager approached, Machiavelo began to scream and punch the manager before he threw her to the ground where she hit her head on the jetbridge, NBC Miami said, noting the employee was later hospitalized and suffered "permanent scarring."

Machiavelo ran off the plane, pushed a gate agent to the ground, and was ultimately detained by several passengers as police officers responded, NBC Miami said. Machiavelo resisted arrest but was taken into custody and brought to a local hospital.

American Airlines released a statement Tuesday condemning the incident, according to NBC Miami.

"Acts of violence against our colleagues are not tolerated by American Airlines and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation," the statement read in part. "Our thoughts are with our team member, and we are ensuring they have the support they need at this time."

Read more from NBC Miami and WTNH News 8