
An airline passenger from Exeter, New Hampshire, was recently honored for his heroic actions in tackling a man who attacked a flight attendant with a broken metal spoon. Jeff Neil, formerly a bouncer and now a software company employee, received the Citizen Award from the Exeter Police Department for his efforts in subduing Francisco Severo Torres, who was threatening to kill passengers and threatening a “bloodbath” onboard a United Airlines Flight. Neil’s wife Libby, who was on the plane with him, said she wasn’t surprised he acted. Torres was arrested, accused of attempting to open the cabin door, and attacking a flight attendant. Neil and other passengers held him down till the flight landed. Torres awaits a mental health evaluation.