In a disturbing incident at Salt Lake City International Airport, a drunk passenger allegedly assaulted a Delta Air Lines employee. The incident, which occurred during an attempted boarding of a flight to Portland, Oregon, led to the arrest of 31-year-old Cody Sierra Marie Bryne on multiple charges.
Details of the Incident
On Wednesday, Bryne allegedly failed to comply with requests to clear the airplane aisle, causing a disruption for waiting passengers. When she finally moved aside, she reportedly collided with a Delta worker, pushing the employee into a seat. The flight’s pilot responded by ordering her off the aircraft immediately.
Assault and Arrest
As Bryne was escorted out of the plane, she reportedly attempted to enter a secure terminal area. When blocked by airline staff, she allegedly assaulted another employee by grabbing her neck and pulling her hair. In a threatening manner, Bryne also grabbed the employee’s breast, stating, “if I ever find you alone b—-.”
Following this violent outburst, Bryne attempted to leave the airport but was apprehended by police while trying to purchase a ticket with another airline.
Charges and Consequences
- Charges Filed Against Bryne:
- Sexual battery
- Assault
- Public intoxication
- Officers reported Bryne resisted arrest, necessitating the use of force to restrain her.
- During an interview, she denied all allegations but acknowledged her intoxicated state.
Court documents indicated that Bryne showed signs of severe intoxication, including difficulty communicating and a strong odor of alcohol. She is currently held at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and is scheduled for a court appearance next week.
Increased Incidents of Unruly Passengers
Since the pandemic began, incidents involving intoxicated passengers have surged at airports nationwide. Salt Lake City officials have noted a rise in arrests related to alcohol-fueled misconduct. Federal laws permit fines reaching up to $37,000 for actions that interfere with flight crews.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Delta Air Lines stated, “Delta has zero tolerance for abusive, disruptive, or unlawful behavior on our flights.” The airline confirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation.
