A Maryland woman was arrested and charged with felony child abuse after allegedly hitting a young boy on a flight from Orlando to Hagerstown, Maryland. According to authorities, the incident occurred as the passengers were returning from a family trip to Disney World, turning a vacation into a criminal investigation mid-air.
The woman, identified as Kristy Crampton, reportedly became enraged after the boy, whose identity has not been released, repeatedly called her “fat” and referred to her as “Miss Piggy.” Police allege that Crampton responded by striking the child with her fist and a water bottle, and even slamming his head into the airplane window during the flight.
Mid-Flight Assault Alleged by Witnesses
The incident occurred on an Allegiant Airlines flight departing from Sanford-Orlando International Airport on May 26, 2025. According to the police report and multiple witness statements, the child had been making comments directed at Crampton, which escalated tensions during the flight.
Witnesses stated the woman appeared agitated throughout the journey, allegedly confronting the boy over his repeated verbal taunts. At some point during the flight, Crampton reportedly lost her temper and physically attacked the child in plain view of other passengers.
“She just snapped,” one passenger told police. “We heard him call her names, but then she hit him with a water bottle and shoved him hard into the window. It was disturbing.”
Authorities said that the level of force used was not consistent with reasonable discipline and went beyond any acceptable adult reaction to a child’s bad behavior.
Crampton’s Defense: “He Was Disrespectful”
After landing at Hagerstown Regional Airport, police were waiting at the gate. Crampton was arrested and transported to Seminole County Jail. During questioning, she told investigators that the child had “pushed her arm off the armrest” multiple times and had been verbally abusive throughout the entire trip. She claimed her reaction was driven by frustration and self-defense.
However, police noted that Crampton’s response was excessive and posed a clear danger to the child’s safety.
“She admitted to hitting him, but maintained that it was because of the boy’s behavior,” said an officer familiar with the case. “Still, it was clear from the statements of other passengers that this was not a simple case of scolding a child.
Felony Charges and Bond
Crampton was charged with felony child abuse, a serious offense under Maryland law, which can carry significant jail time if convicted. She was released on $10,000 bond the following day and has been ordered to have no contact with the child involved in the case.
As of now, it is unclear what relationship, if any, Crampton had with the boy. Some passengers believed they may have been part of the same travel group, while others thought they were strangers seated near one another.
The child’s family has so far declined to speak publicly, and the boy did not appear to suffer serious physical injuries, though police confirmed he was visibly shaken.
Airline Responds to In-Flight Incident
Allegiant Airlines released a brief statement acknowledging the incident and confirming cooperation with law enforcement.
“We do not tolerate violence of any kind on our aircraft,” the statement read. “Our crew followed protocol and ensured that authorities were alerted and ready upon landing. The safety of our passengers remains our top priority.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which oversees in-flight safety regulations, has not commented on whether Crampton will face any federal penalties for interfering with airline operations. The FAA has jurisdiction over incidents involving violence aboard aircraft and may pursue additional sanctions. Learn more about FAA policy on in-flight safety at www.faa.gov.
Child Protection Concerns Raised
The case has prompted concern among child advocacy groups, who argue that adults should never use physical force as retaliation for verbal insults, especially in a public and confined space like an airplane.
“Children can be difficult, but it’s never okay to hit them,” said one child welfare spokesperson. “There are legal and ethical ways to handle behavioral issues. Violence is not the answer.