Alaska Airlines Passenger Faces Federal Charges Following Alleged Sexual Assault on Flight to Anchorage

A 44-year-old man remains in federal custody today following a harrowing incident aboard an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this week. Timothy Hobson is facing a felony charge of abusive sexual contact after he allegedly assaulted a female passenger during a late-night flight from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

The suspect is scheduled to make his first appearance in an Alaska district court on Thursday, February 26, as federal investigators piece together a timeline of what they describe as a "predatory" and "disturbing" mid-air encounter.

Details of Flight AS-733 Incident

According to a federal affidavit filed by the FBI, the incident took place on February 22, 2026, aboard Alaska Airlines Flight AS-733. The unnamed female victim reported that she immediately felt an "uneasy" sensation the moment Hobson took the middle seat next to her.

Witness statements and the official complaint detail a progression of erratic behavior that began even before the Boeing 737 pushed back from the gate in Portland:

Pre-Flight Behavior: Hobson allegedly turned his entire body sideways to stare at the victim, smiling at her without speaking in a manner she described as "creepy."

Initial Physical Contact: Shortly after takeoff, Hobson reportedly pretended to drop an item on the floor as a pretext to reach across the victim's legs and lean into her personal space.

Escalation: The suspect allegedly spread his legs to press against the victim's body and repeatedly touched her leg, ignoring her attempts to swat his hand away.

The Alleged Assault

The situation reached a breaking point when Hobson allegedly placed his head on the victim's shoulder. While she initially gave him the benefit of the doubt, thinking he had fallen asleep, he soon leaned back toward her, this time positioning his head closer to her breasts.

The victim reportedly elbowed Hobson away and gave him a clear directive:

"If he wanted to sleep, he should lie his head on the tray table and not on her."

Disregarding the warning, Hobson allegedly leaned his entire upper body against the victim, pinning her against the window and nuzzling his face into her breasts. Trapped by the suspect's weight, the victim was unable to reach her own call button. An alert passenger in the aisle seat observed the struggle and signaled for a flight attendant.

Arrest and Investigation

Upon landing in Anchorage, Hobson was met by airport police and FBI agents. While he initially invoked his right to remain silent, investigating officers reportedly overheard him muttering a revealing admission as they exited the interview room:

"I definitely drank way too much."

A subsequent breathalyzer test administered at the Anchorage Correctional Complex returned a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) of 0.121, well above the legal limit for operating a vehicle, though the investigation is focusing on the intentional nature of the assault. Witnesses noted that while Hobson appeared intoxicated, he also appeared "alert" during the assault and smiled at the victim, suggesting he was aware of his actions.

Airline and Legal Response

Alaska Airlines has confirmed that the passenger has been banned from all future flights. In a statement regarding the safety of their cabins, a spokesperson emphasized:

"At Alaska Airlines, the safety and well-being of our guests is our highest priority. We have zero tolerance for any form of harassment or assault aboard our aircraft and are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation."

Hobson faces a federal felony charge under 18 U.S.C. § 2244(b), which carries significant prison time and fines if convicted.