A Delta Air Lines flight attendant has been charged with attempted murder after drunkenly slashing a co-worker in the neck at a New Orleans hotel, leaving her “unconscious,” police said.
New Orleans police said Joshua Smith, 36, had been out with several co-workers and was returning to his hotel around 3:15 a.m. early Monday morning when they noticed he was acting strange. ” he said.
Police said in a press release that one of Smith's unnamed female colleagues tried to take her back to her room, but the argument escalated and Smith slashed her in the arm and neck.
The woman then fled to another floor of the hotel, but Smith followed her.
Police said when a security guard rushed to help, Smith cut his thumb.
Police have not said what the murder weapon was.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Police said Smith was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated assault and simple assault.
Smith's attorney, Thomas Calogero, said: told NBC News Smith and his co-workers had been partying all night in the Big Easy, with the flight attendant reportedly drinking so much that he didn't even remember having binge-drinked.
“The group had been drinking and he was close to blacking out,” the lawyer said. “He (Smith) has no recollection of the incident, nothing.”
“I don't think there was any murderous intent,” he added.
Delta Airlines spokesperson told WSB TV “We do not condone violence against or among our citizens and will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities,” the airline said in a statement.
