Police release video of Southwest Airlines pilot DUI charge arrest
Share this @internewscast.com

Savannah airport police released bodycam video from the January arrest of a Southwest Airlines pilot accused of attempting to fly while intoxicated.

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Body camera footage was released by airport police in Georgia of a January incident involving a pilot who was arrested for a DUI while performing pre-flight checks for a Southwest Airlines flight.

David Allsop, 52, was identified as the pilot arrested at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, Georgia, police say. 

Allsop, who faces ongoing criminal charges, was stopped after a TSA agent advised police to pursue the pilot, noting that he “smelled of alcohol and appeared intoxicated.”

Police approached Allsop as he was completing final pre-flight preparations onboard a plane full of passengers set to depart from Savannah, Georgia to Chicago, Illinois.

The body camera footage shows Allsop interacting with police, telling them he had three beers “ten hours ago at least.” 

At first he declined to do a field sobriety test because he told them “there’s no need.”

“Well I can smell an odor consistent with an alcoholic beverage,” the officer can be heard saying in the footage. 

Allsop blames the smell on his nicotine gum and eventually does field sobriety tests in the jet bridge. 

According to the police report from the arrest in January, officers noted that the pilot exhibited “a strong odor resembling alcohol,” along with “bloodshot, watery eyes and a flushed complexion.”

In the body camera video, police talk among themselves about his results and ultimately offered to give him a blood-alcohol test. 

“Even if I gave you blood, nothing would change,” Allsop said. “Nothing’s going to change your mind.” 

“That is your willful choice that you are willing to make,” the officer replied. 

Allsop was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after refusing the blood-alcohol test and grabbing his things off the plane. 

Allsop’s license was revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration and criminal charges against him are pending, according to WJCL.

Southwest Airlines said the employee was immediately removed from duty following the arrest.

The Federal Aviation Administration outlines regulations that “forbid pilots from consuming alcohol while on duty or flying, or attempting to fly, within 8 hours after consuming alcohol, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher.” 

The Associated Press and CNN Newsource contributed to this report. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Our Chicago: Chicago Community Trust and Nourishing Hope looking for help for Giving Tuesday

Chicago Community Trust and Nourishing Hope Seek Support for Giving Tuesday Initiatives

CHICAGO (WLS) — Giving Tuesday is a global initiative dedicated to promoting…
Israeli Soldiers Execute Surrendering Palestinians in Jenin Raid

Controversial Jenin Raid: Israeli Soldiers Accused of Executing Surrendering Palestinians

Video from Jenin in the occupied West Bank shows Israeli border police…
Analyzing Japanese free agents heading to MLB after Yankees declared interest

Yankees Eye Japanese Free Agents: MLB’s Next Big International Talent Surge

The New York Yankees are signaling a strong intention to re-engage with…
Chinese cyberattack campaign likely impacted every American, former FBI official says

Massive Chinese Cyberattack Allegedly Affects Every American, Claims Ex-FBI Official

An alarming revelation from a former FBI official suggests that nearly every…
Kaine Echoes Other Dems, Says First Caribbean Boat Strike 'Rises to the Level of a War Crime If It's True'

Senator Kaine Aligns with Fellow Democrats, Suggests First Caribbean Boat Incident Could Constitute a War Crime If Verified

During an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation” this past Sunday, Senator…
Netanyahu requests pardon from Israeli president, after Trump letter urging clemency

Netanyahu Seeks Presidential Pardon Following Trump’s Clemency Appeal: A Political Twist in Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached out to President Isaac Herzog…
Gridlock Sam’s transportation list for Mamdani’s first 100 days

Unlocking NYC: Gridlock Sam’s Strategic Blueprint for Mamdani’s First 100 Days

Zohran Mamdani has the chance to reshape New York City streets in…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submits request for a pardon during his ongoing corruption trial

Netanyahu’s Bold Move: Seeks Presidential Pardon Amidst Intensifying Corruption Trial

In a bold move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approached the…
New Hulu special fuses fashion and science to commemorate World AIDS Day

Hulu’s Unique Special Blends Fashion with Science in Honor of World AIDS Day

Fashion designers have long been recognized for their ability to weave narratives…
Vanessa Hudgens, Cole Tucker welcome second child

Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker Celebrate the Arrival of Their Second Child

Vanessa Hudgens, renowned for her role in “High School Musical,” announced a…
Local Spotlight: Pick a Medicare Advantage Plan, Here's What to Consider

Community Focus: Key Considerations for Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan

CHICAGO — As the deadline to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan approaches,…
Browns open to giving Shedeur Sanders 'extended look' as starter

Cleveland Browns Consider Shedeur Sanders for Starting QB Role: An In-Depth Look

Shedeur Sanders may soon find himself leading the Cleveland Browns as their…