News Summary
A man has been arrested on a Delta flight from Tokyo to Detroit after allegedly groping a minor and attempting to assault other passengers. Khoa Nguyen, the suspect, faces federal charges for violating special aircraft jurisdiction. The incident raised serious concerns over flight safety protocols, and Delta Airlines has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior. Nguyen is currently detained while awaiting a detention hearing, with law enforcement urging passengers to remain vigilant.
Detroit – A man has been arrested following a disturbing incident on a Delta flight from Tokyo to Detroit that occurred on July 5, 2025. The suspect, identified as Khoa Nguyen, faces federal charges for allegedly groping a minor and for attempting to assault other passengers during the flight.
The alleged assault began when a young girl, who is under the age of 18, reported the incident to FBI agents. The victim stated that she was returning to her seat after using the restroom when she became stuck behind a beverage cart. During this time, Nguyen allegedly groped her buttocks through her clothing as she attempted to maneuver back to her seat. Reports indicate that when the girl tried to move forward, Nguyen pressed up against her, further encroaching on her personal space.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when another passenger informed the young girl that Nguyen had been following her throughout the plane. One witness, who was seated next to the girl, claimed to have observed Nguyen approaching closely after initially passing his seat. Descriptions of Nguyen’s behavior during the flight indicated that he was acting erratically, which included dropping items and asking unusual questions of the flight attendants.
The situation worsened as flight crew members reported that Nguyen later attempted to engage in a physical altercation with another passenger. To control him, the crew had to restrain Nguyen using zip ties until the plane safely landed at Detroit Metro Airport. Upon landing, he was taken into custody by law enforcement.
Nguyen is facing serious legal repercussions, as he has been charged with sexual contact of another person without consent, in violation of the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. This charge can lead to a maximum of three years in federal prison. Following his arrest, Nguyen made his initial appearance in a federal court in Detroit and has been temporarily detained while awaiting a detention hearing.
The incident has raised alarms over safety protocols on flights, prompting Delta Airlines to reiterate its zero-tolerance policy for unlawful and unruly behavior. The airline has confirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement in this matter. Additionally, Nguyen has been placed on an internal no-fly list by Delta Airlines to prevent any future occurrences.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of groping episodes in the Metro Detroit area, with several cases reported earlier in April 2025. As investigations continue, authorities are urging passengers to remain vigilant and report any concerning behavior during flights.
The incident underscores the ongoing issues of safety and passenger conduct in aviation, prompting both airlines and law enforcement to review their measures to ensure the safety and security of all passengers, especially minors.
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Additional Resources
- Click on Detroit
- Wikipedia: Groping
- Detroit News
- Google Search: groping on flights
- MLive
- Google Scholar: aviation safety in groping incidents
- Kansas City Star
- Encyclopedia Britannica: groping in aviation
- Fox 9
- Google News: Delta Airlines incidents
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
