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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Pilot blames drunken passenger for cockpit scuffle

Michaellieber

Michael Lieber

Following a 2014 episode requiring intervention from federal authorities, a pilot filed suit against an airline passenger alleging assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Brynley Griffiths of Naples, Fla. filed a lawsuit June 2 in Cook County Circuit Court against Scott Thresher of Saucier, Miss., claiming offensive and violent conduct following a July 2014 airplane flight to O’Hare Airport.

According to the filing, when Thresher became inebriated during the July 25, 2014, flight, attendants cut him off from additional alcoholic beverages; the defendant purportedly became belligerent and abusive towards staff and passengers.

The complaint states that the defendant committed tortuous acts against Griffiths, an employee of Republic Airways, and willfully caused him bodily harm in the Cook County confrontation.

The suit states that when the plaintiff confronted the defendant after landing, Thresher attacked him in the aircraft’s cockpit doorway and again on the jetway tarmac. According to court documents, the defendant continued to act violently even after the arrival of FBI agents.

Griffiths avers thumb injuries which prevent him from flying, lost wages and benefits, distress and depression. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $50,000, attorneys’ fees and costs. He is represented by Michael Lieber of Ice Miller in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L0005779.

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