TSA Agent Arrested for Assaulting Passenger

The airport can be a frustrating place for everyone. There are so many passengers in a hurry to get to their destination. Workers from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may be having bad days from dealing with unruly passengers who are bringing on prohibited items and threatening security.

The tension can cause physical altercations. This was recently the case in Florida. A TSA agent was arrested for allegedly assaulting a passenger at Fort Lauderdale’s airport. Police claim the agent was forcefully pushing the 79-year-old woman from Palm Beach Gardens.

The agent, a 21-year-old woman from Margate, was taken into custody after the incident, which occurred at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. An arrest from the Broward Sheriff’s Office said the TSA agent attacked the woman, causing her to fall to the ground and hit her forehead.

The passenger was at the airport traveling on a JetBlue flight. She suffered minor bruising in the assault. The passenger received an ice pack for her bruise. She declined additional medical attention.

It is unknown what caused the alleged confrontation. The TSA agent was charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 or older. She was later released after posting a $1,000 bond.

The TSA responded to the incident, stating that it was aware of the arrest and does not tolerate this type of behavior from its agents. TSA holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. The agency has placed the agent on administrative leave pending further investigation and is fully cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.

What is Assault Under Florida Law?

Under Florida Statutes § 784.011, assault is defined as an intentional and unlawful threat to do violence to another person, combined with an apparent ability to carry out that threat. The act must also create a well-founded fear in the other person that violence is imminent.

The key elements of assault are:

1. Intentional threat. The offender must make a deliberate threat to harm the victim.
2. Apparent ability. The offender must appear capable of carrying out the threat at the time.
3. Fear of imminent violence. The victim must reasonably believe that harm is about to happen.

Simple assault is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail, up to six months probation, and/or a fine of up to $500. If the assault involves a weapon or serious threat, it may be charged as aggravated assault, which is a felony.

 Contact Us Today 

Assaulting a customer or guest is never a good idea unless it is done in self-defense. An employee who does this is subject to punishment such as job loss and possibly a criminal record.

A Fort Myers assault defense attorney from Hollander & Hanuka can assess your case. We are dedicated to providing a robust defense for individuals accused of assault and helping them get the best outcome possible given their circumstances. To schedule a consultation with our office, give us a call at (239) 332-3300 or fill out the online form.

Source:

foxnews.com/us/tsa-agent-arrested-allegedly-attacking-79-year-old-passenger-florida-airport