Caught on Camera: Police Bodycam Shows Drunken American Airlines Flight Attendant Arrested at DFW
FORT WORTH, TX—New police bodycam footage has exposed a shocking incident at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), showing the chaotic arrest of an American Airlines flight attendant who was allegedly drunk and combative moments before he was scheduled to work a flight.
The video, obtained from the DFW Airport Police Department, reveals a tense and embarrassing confrontation that ultimately led to criminal charges.
The Incident: Drunkenness and Assault
The situation began when supervisors were called to a quiet gate area after concerned coworkers reported the flight attendant was visibly impaired. The incident quickly escalated when police arrived and found the young male flight attendant arguing with his managers in the jet bridge.
- Admitting to Alcohol: The flight attendant, who had only been with American Airlines for six weeks, reportedly admitted to police that he had consumed a bottle and a half of Champagne while on duty and preparing to work the flight.
- The Confrontation: Unsteady and slurring his words, the crew member attempted to avoid arrest by claiming he was just “deadheading” (flying as a non-working crew member). However, a supervisor confirmed he was scheduled to be the Number 1 flight attendant, leading the service in the First Class cabin.
- Charges: After being challenged, the flight attendant allegedly pushed one of his managers as he tried to rush past. He was arrested and charged with criminal mischief after he was placed in a police cruiser and began kicking the door while shouting, “I don’t belong here.”
One of the arresting officers reportedly described the crew member as being “s**tfaced,” underscoring the severity of the intoxication.
A Zero-Tolerance Policy
The incident highlights the critical safety risks posed by crew members operating under the influence. Federal regulations impose strict limits on alcohol consumption for flight crew, with severe penalties for violations.
American Airlines has confirmed the flight attendant was immediately removed from duty and placed on administrative leave pending a full investigation. The airline maintains a zero-tolerance policy for employee intoxication while on the job. The arrest is now a matter for the Tarrant County Criminal Court, where the former employee will face charges for his actions.
Conclusion
The release of the police bodycam footage offers a disturbing look at the dangers of crew intoxication, which aviation rules are designed to prevent. While the quick intervention by coworkers and supervisors ensured the flight never took off with an impaired crew, the incident is a stark reminder that vigilance is required across all areas of airport operations. The swift arrest and criminal charges underscore the severe consequences facing any airline employee who compromises flight safety.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article is a news report and does not contain affiliate links. We do not receive compensation for any links or products mentioned.
Disclaimer
The details in this report are based on police records, bodycam footage released by the DFW Airport Police Department, and statements from American Airlines. The individual mentioned is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For official airline policies on employee conduct, readers should refer to the official American Airlines website.
Official Website Link: American Airlines: https://www.aa.com/
