Pilot arrested and charged with DUI just before takeoff
A pilot was arrested after being suspected of being drunk just before takeoff.
Citing the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, CNN International reported that Southwest Airlines pilot David Paul Allsop, 52, of Bedford, New Hampshire was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol during a check-in with the crew members. Per the officer, he was seen with "bloodshot, watery eyes and a flushed complexion."
The media outlet stated that the officer "detected a strong odor of what seemed to be alcohol."
When asked when he had his last drink, Allsop said "last night" but noted he only had "a few light beers."
The pilot failed a field sobriety test on the jet bridge and refused to take a state-mandated blood test.
He has been slapped with a driving under the influence charge after being arrested at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines said they're "aware of a situation involving an employee on Flight 3772 Wednesday morning from Savannah."
According to the company, he has been "removed from duty" following the incident.
"Customers were accommodated on other flights and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans," they said. "There’s nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our employees and customers."
Allsop's bail was set at $3,500 (PhP205,000).
