Southwest flight attendant hospitalized after passenger strikes her in the head

A Southwest flight attendant became the latest victim of an unruly passenger after she was was attacked during the boarding process at a Texas airport.   

Arielle Jean Jackson, 32, was arrested Saturday afternoon and charged with aggravated assault after she allegedly ‘struck the flight attendant with a closed fist on the head’.

Dallas police said the suspect and Southwest employee had engaged in a verbal dispute that ultimately turned physical.

The flight attendant was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition.

Southwest confirmed to DailyMail.com that the unidentified crew member was released last night and is currently at home resting. 

The air carrier has wished her a ‘speedy and full recovery’ and said she is in their thoughts and prayers.  

Officers were called to Dallas Lovefield Airport around 12:40pm after Jackson allegedly verbally and physically assaulted Southwest employees. 

Police said the incident took place while Jackson was boarding a New York City-bound flight.

Once she got on the plane, she ‘went straight to the back’ of the aircraft and had a verbal altercation with a flight attendant, who ordered her off the flight. It is unclear what the pair were arguing about. 

Jackson allegedly attacked the flight attendant during the boarding process after the two engaged in a verbal dispute

As she was exiting at the front of the plane, Jackson engaged in a verbal dispute with another employee before hitting her in the head, police officials said

Jackson was arrested and taken to Dallas County Jail. She faces an aggravated assault charge. 

Investigation into the incident remains ongoing and Southwest is reportedly cooperating with police. 

‘Southwest Airlines maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any type of harassment or assault and fully support our employee as we cooperate with local authorities regarding this unacceptable incident,’ the airline said in a statement Sunday.

‘Our entire Southwest Family is wishing [the flight attendant] a speedy and full recovery as we send our thoughts, prayers, and love to her.’ 

The flight attendant (not pictured) was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition and released. Southwest says she is currently recovering at home

The incident comes as a Southwest pilot is facing possible criminal charges after allegedly getting into a physical fight with a flight attendant at a California hotel.

Pilot Nick Barelli was cited for assault and battery and placed on leave by the airline after the altercation with the unnamed flight attendant, which took place on October 18 in San Jose and was reportedly about face masks.

Sergeant Christian Camarillo of the San Jose Police Department told DailyMail.com on November 3 that the pilot was being investigated for assault and battery by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office, and that charges against him had yet to be filed. 

The San Jose sergeant went on to add that whether or not the case moves forward depends on the flight attendant. 

‘In cases like this is, it is up to the victim to follow through and cooperate with the investigation for any possible charges to be filed,’ Camarillo stated. 

Southwest placed the pilot on leave while the matter is investigated.

An airline spokesperson confirmed that an investigation was already underway – but revealed that a disciplinary ruling from the air carrier would depend on whether or not charges are filed against Barelli, and whether the pilot is found guilty of a crime.