Authorities say an air traveler was detained by Las Vegas police after he punched an airline pilot at a McCarran International Airport gate where crew members determined he was too intoxicated to board a Frontier flight.
Las Vegas police Officer Alejandra Zambrano says the pilot refused medical attention and the 49-year-old man was issued a misdemeanor battery summons after the incident a little before 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The man's name, hometown and travel destination weren't immediately made public.
Airport spokeswoman Christine Crews says the man struck the pilot twice after the pilot intervened in an argument between the man and crew members near Frontier Airlines gates.
Frontier spokesman Zack Kramer says the airline is cooperating with police. He didn't respond to questions about the man's destination or the aircraft flight number.</p>
Frontier Airlines sent the following statement:
“Frontier Airlines is cooperating with local law enforcement after an incident at McCarran International Airport (LAS) Wednesday afternoon during which a passenger, who had missed his flight, assaulted a Frontier pilot in the gate area. The pilot involved did not require medical attention and we would like to acknowledge the professionalism of our team during this event. Protecting the safety of our team members and passengers is our number one priority.”
13 Action News contributed to this report.
