Authorities in Louisiana have arrested a flight attendant after he allegedly slashed a co-worker’s neck and cut a security guard who tried to intervene.
Police arrested Joshua Smith, 36, at a New Orleans, La., hotel around 3:15 a.m. local time Monday, Nov. 25, the local police department said in a release shared with PEOPLE.
The alleged incident occurred after an evening out with Smith’s co-workers, who later said they noticed he was “acting strangely” on their way back to the hotel, according to police.
The co-worker, who is not named, reportedly tried to escort him to his room when, following an argument, Smith allegedly slashed the woman on her arm and neck, per New Orleans police.
When she tried to escape, Smith allegedly followed her, police said.
A security guard tried to intervene but Smith allegedly cut him on his thumb, per police, the outlets reported.
Smith, who is an employee at Delta Airlines per multiple outlets, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and simple battery, per NOPD’s release.
His lawyer, Thomas Calogero, told NBC News that he “blacked out” after a night of drinking and there was no “intent to murder.”
Delta Airlines did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comments but said in a statement to WSB-TV: “Delta has zero tolerance for violence against or among our people and will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement officials.”
It wasn’t immediately clear if Smith had entered pleas.
