Man accused of hitting toddler aboard plane

The pilot landed the plane without incident around noon.  (News 4 WOAI)
The pilot landed the plane without incident around noon. (News 4 WOAI)
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Updated: 2/18 7:35 am
A man accused of slapping a toddler on a plane now faces federal assault charges, and is out of a job. Jessica Bennett and her son were flying from Minneapolis to Atlanta on February 8th and sat next to 60-year-old Joe Hundley of Idaho.

Bennett claims Hundley reeked of alcohol. She says as the plane began its descent, her son became fussy. That's when she says Hundley called her toddler a racist name and slapped him in the eye.

Hundley pleaded not guilty and faces up to a year in jail.

Daniel Keeney of DPK Public Relations confirmed Sunday night that Hundley is no longer an employee of AGC Aerospace and Defense, Composites Group .
   
Al Haase, president and CEO of AGC, released a statement Sunday that didn't refer to the 60-year-old Hundley by name but called reports of an executive's behavior "offensive and disturbing" and said he "is no longer employed with the company."

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of News 4 WOAI (WOAI.com)

Doc Hayworth - 2/18/2013 2:51 PM
3 Votes
Firing him this quickly may turn out to be a bad move by the company. Yes, I agree he's been accused of hitting the child and if he did, should be dealt with accordingly, but to this point he was accused not convicted. If he is not found quilty of assault of the child, the door has been opened for a wrongful dismissal suit.

ABC123 - 2/18/2013 12:49 PM
1 Vote
Drunken, racist fool. Old, unemployed, drunken racist fool.

AFretired2002 - 2/18/2013 10:51 AM
2 Votes
johnny cash, please don't feed the trolls!!!!

Superspurs - 2/18/2013 10:35 AM
1 Vote
The father of this kid needs to Betch slap this fool.

MarcelinoCR - 2/18/2013 9:54 AM
0 Votes
in Jesu Cristo's eyes therees no half breede we all equel! You showe your truee wickedeness Johnnys Cash!

Johnny Cash - 2/18/2013 8:36 AM
3 Votes
I forgot to clarify I dont condone this guy if that's what infact truly happened. Slapping a toddler in the face is wrong.

Johnny Cash - 2/18/2013 8:31 AM
4 Votes
Learn how to spell MarcelinoCR. They're only making a big deal because the kid is a half breed. The liberal left media wants to stir up people in order to have another story. If the kid was just white it wouldn't get so much attention. They try to make everything a race issue.

Ruger1 - 2/18/2013 8:19 AM
6 Votes
while i don't agree with this man's actions of hitting a child, there is no doubt that i haven't thought about spanking an unruly kid when his/her parents did nothing to stop them from being absolutely, friggin' annoying...and not just to me but to everyone around. especially when you have asked them to get their kid under control. and don't get mad when i turn around and ask your little nuisance to settle down because you won't

MarcelinoCR - 2/18/2013 7:45 AM
0 Votes
no doubte this is a tee partee GOPer Mick Romeney voteer!

glad1 - 2/18/2013 6:32 AM
4 Votes
I've been tempted to but didn't , hit a kid on a flight that's mother had him on floor in front and he kept untying my shoes , she thought it was funny , I say there should be flights that prohibit kids under 12 on them , I hate sitting next to brats on planes ,now when it happens I don't smile or acknowledge the child or parent ,letting them know I don't what to be bothered , I'm rude from the get go. ,to nip it in the bud. I hate kids on flights period.
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