Social media video of the incident exhibits Courtney Drummond shouting as he approaches a counter, and punching an worker. The video additionally exhibits a number of staff intervening.
In a press release, the Atlanta Police Division stated Drummond refused to adjust to flight attendants as a Southwest flight was being taxied from the gate to the tarmac.
Police stated Drummond was requested to depart the flight after the airplane was compelled to return to the gate as a consequence of his “aggressive conduct.”
“After Mr. Drummond was escorted off of the airplane, he threatened a Southwest Gate agent a number of instances and in the end assaulted him,” police stated.
Drummond was arrested on prices of easy battery, battery, and obstruction, and was taken to the Clayton County Jail.
“Southwest Airways has zero tolerance for any kind of assault in opposition to our Workers or Clients,” the assertion stated. “On account of this inexcusable assault, the person has been banned from flying with Southwest Airways,” Southwest Airways stated in a press release.
Southwest Airways additionally counseled the actions of their staff “who responded to guard their colleagues throughout this unacceptable occasion,” and thanked regulation enforcement for his or her response.
Drummond’s mom, Gwendolyn Foster, confirmed to CNN her son continues to be in custody in Georgia, and apologized for the incident.
“My coronary heart goes out to everybody, the workers at Southwest — they’re in my prayers. I am sorry this occurred and this was brought on by him,” Foster stated. “He comes from a godly household. My husband is a pastor of a church right here.”
Foster stated the household is sorry and “very damage” by the incident.
“I pray in due time that God will heal all wounds and let’s transfer ahead and proceed to like one another as God loves us,” Foster stated.
Based on the Clayton County Jail log, Drummond is being held on three prices, and his bonds equal $10,000 with $1,600 in charges.
