A 44-year-old man named Timothy Hobson remains in federal custody following a disturbing incident on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this week. He has been charged with felony abusive sexual contact after allegedly assaulting a female passenger during a late-night flight from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
Hobson is expected to appear in an Alaska district court on Thursday, February 26, as federal investigators work to piece together what they describe as a “predatory” mid-air encounter. The incident took place aboard Alaska Airlines Flight AS-733 on February 22, as detailed in a federal affidavit filed by the FBI.
The unnamed victim reported feeling uneasy from the moment Hobson took the middle seat beside her. According to her account, his erratic behavior began even before the flight took off, including turning his body to stare at her in a way she found unsettling.
As the flight progressed, Hobson allegedly initiated physical contact by pretending to drop an item in order to lean across the victim’s legs. He then reportedly pressed his body against hers and attempted to touch her leg, ignoring her clear signs of discomfort.
The situation escalated when Hobson placed his head on the victim’s shoulder, initially leading her to believe he was asleep. However, he soon leaned closer, positioning his head near her breasts despite her attempts to push him away. Feeling trapped and unable to reach her call button, the victim was assisted by another passenger who signaled for a flight attendant.
Upon landing, Hobson was met by airport police and FBI agents but initially chose to remain silent. However, he was overheard making a statement that suggested his awareness of having overindulged in alcohol prior to the incident, as he recorded a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) of 0.121, above the legal limit for operating a vehicle. While witnesses noted he seemed intoxicated, they also reported that he appeared “alert” and even smiled at the victim during the assault.
Alaska Airlines has since banned Hobson from all future flights, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety and their zero-tolerance policy for harassment and assault on board. Hobson now faces serious legal ramifications, including potential prison time and fines if convicted under federal law.
This troubling incident highlights the importance of ensuring safety in the skies and the need for ongoing vigilance against predatory behavior. The quick response from fellow passengers and crew demonstrates the vital role that awareness and intervention play in maintaining a safe environment for all travelers.