Man punches deaf pregnant woman after flight from Colorado Springs to Orlando

A man punched and assaulted a deaf woman, her husband and their service dog following a Frontier flight from Colorado Springs to Orlando.

Matthew Silvay and Hazel Ramirez are a deaf couple and traveled with their two kids and service dog on Frontier Flight 1752 to Orlando. Timothy and Petrini Manley along were their son were also aboard the flight. According to Orlando police, the aircraft landed in Florida and on the taxi ride to the gate is when Timothy punched the service dog and Hazel.

Timothy felt the Great Dane service dog was taking up too much space, so he punched the dog with a closed fist. The punch caused the dog to yelp.

Matthew and Hazel, who is 20 weeks pregnant, began yelling at Timothy as best they could. Timothy got in Matthew’s face and at some point punched Hazel in the stomach. Hazel and Matthew’s children were also touched by Timothy.

The couples continued to argue until they reached the gate. Police were at the gate upon their arrival after a flight attendant called.

Timothy walked past the officers. Matthew and Hazel provided sworn statements. Matthew said he tackled Timothy as an attempt to detain him until police arrived.

Medical treatment was declined by all parties. Hazel wants to prosecute and will testify in court.

Frontier released a statement saying, ” The safety and security of our passengers is our top priority at Frontier. Upon deplaning flight 1752 from Colorado Springs to Orlando, there was a confrontation between passengers. Police were immediately notified to aid in deescalating the situation.”