Unruly Passenger at OIA Pepper Sprayed and Arrested
On Thursday, August 16, 2018, police arrested a passenger behaving in an unruly manner at Orlando International Airport. Bystanders filmed the entire incident, with video proof hitting the internet immediately.
According to the Orlando Police Department’s arrest affidavit, the man, a 59-year-old doctor named Jeffrey Epstein, was charged with trespassing after a warning, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and battery of a law enforcement officer.
The police stated that they got reports of an unruly passenger at American Airlines ticket counter just before 6 a.m. Epstein said an employee told him that he would not be able to make his flight. She told him that he was too late, and according to Epstein, gave him an “attitude.” The police claimed the man started yelling when he saw the police officers approach him.
Police Presence at the Airport
Epstein calmed down after speaking with the officers. However, shortly after, he was informed that the airline wasn’t going to allow him on the plane because of his erratic behavior. The police stated that the man then removed his backpack, raised his arms and asked them to arrest him.
According to the arrest affidavit, Epstein positioned his body in a tense manner, which prevented the police from handcuffing him. As a result, a struggle ensued and one of the officers used pepper spray to subdue him. Following the arrest, Epstein began to complain that he had chest pain and needed medical care. An ambulance took him to a local hospital.
“I Knew Exactly What I Was Doing, I’m Not Crazy”
While riding to the hospital, he told a police officer that he had deliberately created the disturbance at the airport.
Upon being released from jail, Epstein insisted that he was not crazy. He spoke with local news reporters after his release and explained that he was trying to prove a point about the way police use excessive force. He pointed out that if the police are going to treat him, a 59-year-old white doctor that way, why would black people trust them? Epstein came under fire from many different groups after making these statements.
Epstein disclosed that he is a Republican but believes there is a severe problem with the police force in the United States. He told news cameras he doesn’t blame black people for getting upset when they get arrested. Also, Epstein says he was trying to school airlines on customer service, claiming there was no danger and they called the authorities too soon. Epstein asserts he was loud because he wanted everyone to take notice of what was happening.
Legal Options in Orlando
Disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and battery against a police officer are serious charges that can incur harsh penalties. These charges can result in arduous legal battles, fines, imprisonment, and a lifetime of consequences.
When the circumstances surrounding your arrest are unclear, it’s vital to enlist the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. He or she can learn more about your arrest, obtain your point of view, and create a comprehensive defense to present in court.
The Umansky Law Firm has experience dealing with charges like disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and battery of a law enforcement officer and are eager to help you today. Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience practicing criminal defense law and understand what it takes to get you the best possible outcome.
Call us today to learn more about how we can help defend you. We are available to speak 24/7.
