Collecting souvenirs is part of the travel experience. However, it’s wise to purchase them instead of simply helping yourself to whatever shiny thing catches your eye. A United passenger found this out the hard way when he helped himself to a piece of the plane, and he’s still paying the consequences.
Recently released footage from police body cams opens on a jet bridge in Idaho Falls as police ask the flight crew, “What is going on?”
The passenger started by switching seats
The suspect removed a piece of hardware from the pkane
A flight attendant explains that the situation unfolded when a passenger asked for a drink after moving himself to an empty seat in the exit row. Unfortunately, she had to decline his request because he didn’t have a card on file.
At some point, the man moved, and the passenger next to him informed the flight attendant that he’d seen the man messing with the hook attached to the emergency exit door. At this point, the flight attendant noted that the piece of equipment was missing.
The officer asks her to show her what the equipment looks like, “Because I have no idea what I’m looking for,” and follows her onto the plane. She shows him a small metal part attached to another emergency exit door. The officer refers to it as “a carabiner.”
Next, the flight attendant takes the officer to the door in question, pointing out that the carabiner is missing. The part may be small, but the flight attendant informs the officer that “the plane has to have it.”
The suspect was identified
The suspect was quickly identified
The officer expresses some concern about searching the passenger’s bags and violating his civil rights. He asks the flight attendant if she is sure it was there before the flight. Then he asks if they can provide him with the names of passengers.
A flight attendant displays passenger information on a phone, pointing out “the gentleman we believe took it.” She also pulls up the information for the witness. The officer takes screenshots of both with his own device.
The airline refused to help
Armed with this information, the officer approaches a gate agent sitting in front of a computer to ask for information about the passengers. She replies that she isn’t sure she’s allowed to accommodate the request.
The officer seems almost amused as he states, “It’s your crime.” He adds, “If you guys don’t want my help, it’s okay. Sorry, guys, you’re going to be delayed.”
The officer found the suspect
The plane couldn’t leave without the part
A few minutes later, the officer manages to find the witness, who says the suspect was intoxicated, banging on the window, and verbally threatening the safety of his fellow passengers.
The officer approaches the suspect in front of the baggage carousel and asks for his ID. The suspect replies that it’s out in his truck.
The officer follows the suspect to a white company pickup truck, where his supervisor is waiting to pick him up. When the door opens, the officer explains the situation to the forman, stating, “he took something off the plane that he wasn’t supposed to take.” He further explains that they need to retrieve it so the plane can leave.
The suspect denied the claims
The police officer asks for the carabiner.
The suspect replies, “What’s a carabiner?”
The police officer says it’s the part he took from the emergency door, but the suspect repeatedly denies taking it. The officer informs him that this is a federal offence.
The suspect puts his bags on the sidewalk and gives consent to a search. First, the officer demands that the suspect empty his pockets. He complies, and sure enough, the carabiner is inside.
“Look at that!” says the officer.
The suspect hands the carabiner to the officer, who calls him “a frickin thief” and orders him to stay put.
The part was returned
The next flight was delayed
The suspect continues to deny stealing the part he pulled out of his pocket. His exasperated supervisor has now been roped into this mess. Clearly, he isn’t amused as he apologizes to the officer and tells the suspect to get into the truck.
The officer is then seen telling a man who appears to be a pilot that he’s going to file criminal charges and make referrals to the FAA and Department of Homeland Security.
Moments later, the officer walks back into the airport and returns the missing piece to the flight crew.
It got worse
While the officer is inside the airport, the suspect strolls back in. He seems irritated that this is taking so long and complains about waiting.
The officer says that if he raises his voice again, he’s going to be put in handcuffs. The suspect responds by approaching the officer in a threatening manner.
The officer tells the suspect to put his hands behind his back. He refuses, backing away. The officer pepper-sprays him.
As the officer places the suspect in cuffs, he informs him that he has now earned a second felony charge. They walk outside where the suspect rushes the officer again, despite being handcuffed. Two more officers arrive on the scene and help restrain him.
The suspect is told he’s under arrest for stealing from an airplane, resisting arrest, and battery. According to View From The Wing, he received probation until the year 2031 for the state charges.
See the scene on video
Although the original bodycam video isn’t available to embed, found the video available on the internet with some occasionally spicy commentary. You can also find the original video without commentary here.