Security Scare: Passenger Assaults Crew Mid-Flight, Forcing Alaska Airlines Diversion to Boise
BOISE, ID—A scheduled flight from Portland, Oregon, to Dallas, Texas, was forced into an emergency landing in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a passenger became unruly and allegedly assaulted two crew members.
Alaska Airlines Flight 1057 was diverted to Boise Airport (BOI) in Idaho after the incident, which occurred approximately 30 minutes into the flight. The swift action of the flight crew ensured the safety of everyone on board, leading to the passenger’s arrest upon arrival.
Details of the Mid-Air Assault
The flight, which departed Portland International Airport (PDX) just before midnight, was about an hour into its journey when the incident began. Authorities identified the passenger arrested as Tracy Barkhimer, 61, of White Salmon, Washington.
- Erratic Behavior: According to the Boise Police Department, Barkhimer began exhibiting “erratic behavior” and allegedly struck two flight attendants who were trying to de-escalate the situation and calm her down.
- Restraint and Diversion: The flight crew successfully restrained the passenger and the captain diverted the plane to Boise as a precautionary measure.
- Arrest and Charges: Boise Police officers met the aircraft shortly before 1:30 a.m. local time. The flight attendants filed affidavits for a citizen’s arrest, and Barkhimer was taken into custody and booked into the Ada County Jail on two counts of misdemeanor battery.
The crew was medically evaluated and cleared to continue the flight, which resumed its journey to Dallas after a delay of approximately 90 minutes.
Airline Takes Swift Action
Alaska Airlines was quick to confirm its zero-tolerance policy regarding violence toward its employees.
“At Alaska Airlines, safety is our number one priority, and we do not tolerate violence of any kind against our employees,” a representative stated. The airline immediately banned Barkhimer from flying with them in the future.
Barkhimer has since posted a $600 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court in early November. The incident is part of a national trend, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting a continuing rise in incidents involving unruly passengers since the pandemic.
Conclusion
The professionalism of the Alaska Airlines crew in quickly restraining the aggressive passenger and diverting the aircraft was paramount to the safe outcome of Flight 1057. This incident reinforces the serious safety challenges that cabin crew members face daily and the necessity for airlines and law enforcement to take swift, firm action against any passenger who interferes with the safety of a flight.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article is a factual news report on an aviation incident and does not contain any affiliate links or commercial endorsements.
Disclaimer
The details in this report are based on official statements from Alaska Airlines, the Boise Police Department, and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. The accused individual is charged with a crime and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, readers should refer to the official Alaska Airlines website (https://www.alaskaair.com/) or the relevant law enforcement agencies.
