Jim Jones acquitted in airport fight, surveillance video supports self-defense claim

Jim Jones‘ viral altercation on Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport did not result in criminal charges, despite the scuffle involving bumps and bruises. Video footage surfaced online last weekend showing Jones involved in a 2-on-1 confrontation on an airport escalator.

According to a police report, the incident began when Jones retrieved his belongings from the first-class baggage compartment as the plane landed. This action led to a confrontation with a fellow passenger, James Dos Santos, who allegedly pushed Jones in the chest. Jones reportedly warned Dos Santos, who then apologized. However, another passenger, Alexander Lekht, escalated the situation by shouting at Jones from another seat and later trying to provoke him with sudden movements at the airport.

The confrontation intensified on the escalator, where Lekht allegedly made aggressive movements toward Jones, prompting Jones to physically restrain him until airport officers arrived. Airport surveillance footage corroborated Jones’ account of the events.

The brawl also inadvertently involved 94-year-old James Jackson, who was caught in the melee and later treated at Broward General Hospital for leg pain. Lekht suffered head wounds during the skirmish and was also hospitalized.

Despite suffering a bruise under his right eye, Jones chose not to press charges. The surveillance video supported his version of events and showed the other parties initiating the confrontation.