DailyExpertNews
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A man was arrested Tuesday at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport after beating a Southwest Airlines employee, police say.
Social media of the incident can be seen screaming Courtney Drummond as he approaches a counter and punches an employee. The video also shows that several employees intervene.
In a statement, Atlanta police said Drummond refused to obey flight attendants when a Southwest flight was taxied from the gate to the tarmac.
Police said Drummond was asked to leave the flight after the plane was forced to return to the gate due to his “aggressive behaviour”.
“After Mr. Drummond was escorted off the plane, he threatened a Southwest Gate officer several times and eventually attacked him,” police said.
Drummond was arrested on charges of simple battery, battery and obstruction, and was taken to the Clayton County Jail.
“Southwest Airlines will not tolerate any form of attack against our employees or customers,” the statement said. “As a result of this unforgivable attack, the person is prohibited from flying on Southwest Airlines,” Southwest Airlines said in a statement.
Southwest Airlines also praised the actions of their employees “who responded to protect their colleagues during this unacceptable event,” and thanked law enforcement for their response.
Drummond’s mother, Gwendolyn Foster, confirmed to DailyExpertNews that her son is still in Georgia custody and has apologized for the incident.
“My heart goes out to everyone, the Southwest staff – they are in my prayers. I’m sorry this happened and that this was caused by him,” Foster said. “He comes from a God-fearing family. My husband is pastor of a church here.”
Foster said the family is sorry and “very hurt” by the incident.
“I pray in due time that God will heal all wounds and let’s move on and continue to love each other as God loves us,” Foster said.
According to the Clayton County Jail Log, Drummond is being held on three charges, and his bonds are equal to $10,000 with $1,600 in fees.
