airplane aisleBecause flying isn't annoying enough, what with our disrobing and our putting containers of liquid into smaller containers and our using 900 Ziplock bags and what not, now we can add "getting groped" to the list of reasons we should all just stay at home and never leave ever.

Othniel Polanco, 29, was recently charged with sexual assault when he was caught attempting to fondle the 18-year-old male passenger who had fallen asleep next to him on a JetBlue flight. He was released Monday on $100,000 bail and ordered to undergo a mental examination.

Polanco allegedly stuck his hand up the victim's shorts "around the knee area" after he fell asleep with his head on the opened tray table. When the victim woke up and realized what was going on, he punched Polcano in the face.

Now what 'til you hear Polcano's excuse ...

Polcano initially claimed that he, too, had fallen asleep and didn't realize where his hand was. You know, because everybody reaches up into people's shorts when they're in a deep slumber.

Traditionally, I'm against violence on planes, but if Polcano did stick his hand up some dude's shorts, I think the dude was right to throw a punch. He was being completely and totally violated. I mean, who does that? Disgusting.

As unbelievable as this is, I actually was on a plane once and witnessed a tame version of this kind of situation. A guy who was sitting in the aisle seat -- and who had way too much to drink -- placed his hand on the thigh of the man who had fallen asleep between us. Dude woke up, pushed the guys hand away, and was just like, "Yo, man!" (I swear.) The drunk guy just grumbled something like, "Sorry" and pretended to go to sleep. It was pretty disturbing all around, so I can't imagine what it was like for the guy -- and the rest of the people -- on this JetBlue flight.

Flying, man. Just when you think it can't get any worse ...

Do you think the victim was right to punch Polcano in the face?


Image via thisreidwrites/Flickr