Passengers Fight, Woman Gets Tased After Refusing to Wear Face Mask on Plane

Image: Spirit Airlines Airbus. (Photo via Boarding1Now / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Spirit Airlines Airbus. (Photo via Boarding1Now / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus)
Laurie Baratti
by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 9:05 AM ET, Wed October 28, 2020

In yet another incident involving passengers who refused to wear their masks as mandated by major airlines, a fist fight reportedly broke out in the cabin aisle aboard Spirit Airlines flight NK2322 on October 26 at around 7:00 p.m. A fellow flyer captured the scene on video and later posted it to social media.

The flight had originated in Newark, New Jersey, and was bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican police who were called to break up the brawl, which seems to have escalated into all-out fisticuffs when the plane landed at San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin airport.

A female passenger, identified by police as Nyasy Veronique Payne, "provoked an incident by acting in what witnesses called an aggressive, hostile and defiant behavior," according to AirLive.

The conflict began when Payne refused to wear a mask onboard in keeping with Spirit Airlines' protocol, inviting pushback from other flyers concerned about their own safety.

In the end, she reportedly struck a 28-year-old fellow flyer named Javier Lopez Cruz, as can be seen in the video.

She wound up getting tased by the Puerto Rican police, who were otherwise having trouble subduing her, was arrested and spent the night in jail.

According to reports, an unidentified young man and three women who were traveling with him also failed to wear their masks during the majority of the flight and repeatedly moved about the cabin, even while the seatbelt sign was lit. Flight attendants had instructed the group to stay seated and wear their masks, to no avail.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Laurie Baratti

Laurie Baratti

Assistant Editor

Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse. She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West, SPACE, Modern Home + Living, Montage, and Sandals Life magazines. Travel writing has long been her passion, and she is always looking for excuses to explore the world outside of her native California. Laurie is also a lifelong equestrian, a proud pet-parent, and an underground advocate of the Oxford comma.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...
Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...