It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That is until unruly passengers strike again.
A man was arrested in Colombia after he punched a police officer while being escorted off a Spirit Airlines flight.
The shocking incident was captured on video during a Spirit Airlines flight from Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) in Barranquilla, Colombia to Miami International Airport (MIA) on December 17. 2023
According to reports the man had already been arguing with another passenger before the flight departed. The argument became disruptive to the point that it required police intervention.
Video footage released by Policía Nacional de Colombia shows the moment police tried to escort the unruly passenger off the flight.
The passenger, along with several police officers, were walking towards the front of the aircraft to deplane when, seemingly triggered by cheers and jeers from the crowd, he began shouting expletives to other passengers. As one of the police officers tried to nudge the man to move along, he turned his anger towards the officer and punched him in the face.
A chaotic scene ensued as officers pinned the man to the floor before taking him into custody.
Barranquilla police confirmed that none of the officers suffered serious injuries. Police Chief Jorge Urquijo told The Mirror the passenger faces an accusation of assault against public officials and will be handed over to court officials.
Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines told The Daily Mail that it does not tolerate aggressive behavior of any kind, and that the passenger is no longer welcome on any of the airline’s flights.