A woman from White Salmon, Washington, found herself in handcuffs following an unsettling incident aboard an Alaska Airlines flight bound for Dallas. The 61-year-old, Tracy Barkhimer, was detained on Tuesday after allegedly assaulting crew members during the flight, necessitating an unscheduled stop at Boise Airport in Idaho.
The Boise Police Department has charged Barkhimer with two counts of misdemeanor battery. According to police reports, her behavior during the flight was described as “erratic,” and she is accused of striking at least two airline employees who were attempting to manage the situation.
The disturbance led to the crew restraining Barkhimer, resulting in the aircraft being diverted to Boise for safety reasons. The flight made its emergency landing just before 1:30 a.m., where airport police were promptly informed of the situation. Upon landing, officers met with the affected crew members who chose to press charges, providing affidavits for a citizen’s arrest.
The incident highlights the challenges flight crews face in maintaining safety and order thousands of feet in the air. The quick response by both the crew and law enforcement ensured the situation was managed effectively, underscoring the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the aviation industry.
Barkhimer was restrained, and the flight was diverted to Boise Airport.
Just before 1:30 a.m., officers in the airport division were notified about the emergency landing and met with two victims who requested and signed affidavits for the citizen’s arrest, according to police.
Following an investigation, Barkhimer was removed from the plane without incident, taken into custody and booked into the Ada County Jail, officials said.
The plane landed at Boise Airport before continuing on to Texas. (knowlesgallery/Getty)
Following a medical evaluation, Alaska Airlines said its crew was cleared to fly, and the aircraft continued on after a 90-minute delay.
Alaska Airlines told Fox News Digital that only one of its flight attendants was assaulted, though police records indicate there were two victims.
At least one flight crew member was allegedly assaulted during the flight, according to police. The suspect was arrested by Boise police. (Zach Tuohy/Getty)
Barkhimer was banned from flying on the airline in the future, a spokesperson said.
“At Alaska Airlines, safety is our number one priority, and we do not tolerate violence of any kind against our employees,” Alaska Airlines wrote in a statement. “We are grateful to our crew for their professionalism, and we apologize for any concern or inconvenience this situation caused.”
