ANCHORAGE- An alleged in-flight sexual assault aboard Alaska Airlines (AS) has resulted in a felony charge after a passenger reportedly attacked his seatmate.
The incident occurred on Flight AS733 from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) aboard a Boeing 737 aircraft.
Timothy Hobson, 44, remains in custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex ahead of his first court appearance on February 26.
He faces a federal felony charge of abusive sexual contact following events that allegedly unfolded during the late-night flight to Alaska’s largest city.
Alaska Airlines AS733 Assault case
According to a federal affidavit filed in Alaska district court, the incident took place on February 22 after Hobson took a window adjacent seat beside the unnamed female passenger.
The victim told investigators she felt uneasy the instant Hobson sat next to her. Before the Boeing 737 departed Portland, he allegedly turned his entire body sideways to face her and stared while smiling without speaking.
After takeoff, Hobson reportedly pretended to drop an item on the floor. He used this as a reason to reach across the victim’s legs and lean into her personal space.
His behavior then escalated. He allegedly spread his legs into the victim’s seating area, pressing against her body, and repeatedly touched her leg despite her attempts to swat his hand away.
Hobson then placed his head on the victim’s shoulder. She initially believed he may have fallen asleep and pushed him away. Minutes later, he again leaned toward her, this time positioning his head closer to her breasts.
The victim elbowed him away and pointed to the tray table in front of him, telling him that if he wanted to sleep, he should rest his head there instead of on her.
Shortly afterward, Hobson allegedly leaned his entire upper body against her, pinning her against the window. The affidavit states that he pressed his face into her breasts while restraining her movement.
Because Hobson’s body weight restricted her, the victim could not reach the overhead call button. An aisle-seat passenger noticed the situation and signaled for a flight attendant. A crew member promptly relocated the victim to another seat.
Witnesses reported that Hobson continued acting erratically after the reseating. He allegedly moaned and repeatedly grabbed the seats in front of him.
One witness told authorities he appeared to be under the influence of something, although no alcohol odor was detected during the flight.
Arrest, Breath Alcohol Test, and Court Proceedings
Law enforcement officers met the aircraft upon arrival in Anchorage. Hobson invoked his right to remain silent during questioning by federal and local authorities.
As officers exited the holding area, they reported overhearing him state, “I definitely drank way too much.”
Upon booking at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, officials administered a breathalyzer test. The Breath Alcohol Content reading measured 0.121, which indicates significant intoxication.
Some remote communities in Alaska enforce strict alcohol control laws. These restrictions can lead certain residents to consume excessive alcohol before returning to the state.
According to PYOK, authorities continue to examine alcohol related passenger misconduct as a safety concern on commercial flights.
Hobson remains in custody pending his first court appearance on February 26, where he will face a felony charge of abusive sexual contact under federal jurisdiction.
Federal Jurisdiction and Airline Response
Criminal acts committed aboard US-registered commercial aircraft fall under federal jurisdiction.
Airlines train cabin crew to respond immediately to reports of passenger misconduct by separating individuals, assisting victims, and coordinating with law enforcement upon landing.
Alaska Airlines has not released additional public statements regarding the case. The investigation remains ongoing.
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