Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Gate Agent at DFW Airport
A Florida man who assaulted a gate agent at DFW International Airport in October 2024 was sentenced to four months in federal prison, an official says.
Keith Charles Owens, 53, repeatedly punched an American Airlines gate agent in the head on Oct. 5, security footage shows. He was indicted in November and pleaded guilty in January to a charge of interference with security screening personnel.
Incident Details
On the day of the incident, Owens approached gate A36 shortly before 4:45 p.m and told a gate agent that he was late and tried to scan his boarding pass.
After being told that he was at the wrong gate, Owens walked onto the A35 jet bridge without scanning his boarding pass. Airline personnel then removed him from the area.
A few minutes later, Owens returned to gate A36 where he yelled at the gate agent, grabbed him by the shoulders and punched him repeatedly in the face and neck before other airline personnel restrained him.
Consequences of the Incident
The gate agent and at least one other person sustained minor injuries. The flight departing from gate A36 was also delayed.
Chad Meacham, acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas, said in a Friday news release that on top of prison time, Owens also received three years of supervised release and an order to pay nearly $6,000 in restitution.
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Florida man pleads guilty in federal court to assaulting gate agent at DFW Airport
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of respecting airport personnel and following security protocols. The consequences of assaulting a gate agent can be severe, as seen in Owens’ case. It is essential to remain calm and composed, even in stressful situations, to avoid such incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to Keith Charles Owens?
A: Keith Charles Owens, 53, was sentenced to four months in federal prison for assaulting a gate agent at DFW International Airport.
Q: What was the incident about?
A: Owens approached gate A36, tried to scan his boarding pass, and was told he was at the wrong gate. He then walked onto the A35 jet bridge without scanning his boarding pass and was removed by airline personnel. He returned to gate A36, yelled at the gate agent, grabbed him by the shoulders, and punched him repeatedly.
Q: What were the consequences of the incident?
A: The gate agent and at least one other person sustained minor injuries, and the flight departing from gate A36 was delayed. Owens was sentenced to four months in federal prison, received three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay nearly $6,000 in restitution.
