This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
A man was taken into police custody on Thursday morning at Orlando International Airport (MCO) after showing up too late for a flight and then acting “erratic.”
Jeffrey Epstein, 59, of Lakeland, Florida, showed up at 6am for a 6:24am departure, according to an American Airlines spokesperson, too late to be checked in. When he “started yelling at our team members,” the spokesperson said, AA employees called authorities. Epstein engaged in a verbal exchange, Fox 35 Orlando reports. The verbal exchange then turned physical as officers tussled with Epstein on the ground, attempting to place him under arrest.
“After leaving the line, Epstein continued to yell profanities and other remarks about American Airlines’ business practices,” read an arrest affidavit. “Epstein took off his backpack, put his hands in the air, and said to arrest him.”
One officer reportedly observed a “white froth” around Epstein’s lips. When asked about the substance, Epstein appeared to become more agitated. According to the report, Epstein was causing a scene — passengers in the terminal stopped to record the incident.
Because of a complaint of chest pain, Epstein was seen by medical staff at the airport and then transported to a local hospital.
According to officers, Epstein told them that he’d “created a very big disturbance, and I did it on purpose.”
After being released from the hospital, Epstein was taken to the Orange County Jail in Florida and charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, trespassing, disorderly conduct and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, since a bag of weed was found on him.
This story was updated to indicate that this was not a case of denied boarding, since the passenger had not checked in.
Featured image by AP Photo/John Raoux.
The American Express Platinum card has some of the best perks out there: cardholders enjoy the best domestic lounge access (Delta SkyClubs, Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass), a $200 annual airline fee credit as well as up to $200 in Uber credits, and mid-tier elite status at SPG, Marriott, and Hilton. Combined with the 60,000 point welcome offer -- worth $1,140 based on TPG's valuations -- this card is a no-brainer for frequent travelers. Here are 5 reasons you should consider this card, as well as how you can figure out if the $550 annual fee makes sense for you.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
