Passenger Arrested at Orlando Airport for ‘Erratic’ Behavior
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. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. 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.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Accelerate your path to Medallion Status, with Status Boost®. Plus, in 2021 you can earn even more bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help you reach Medallion Status.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
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.
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.