Police: Disgruntled passenger upset over COVID-19 test requirement arrested at Eppley Airfield
According to the incident report, a United Airlines employee said the man started threatening the responding officer and airline workers for not being allowed to fly.
According to the incident report, a United Airlines employee said the man started threatening the responding officer and airline workers for not being allowed to fly.
According to the incident report, a United Airlines employee said the man started threatening the responding officer and airline workers for not being allowed to fly.
Omaha police say a man, who was upset over a COVID-19 test requirement, was arrested at Eppley Airport last week after refusing to leave.
"Believe me I put hours days into this so nothing could go wrong and then I got to the airport and couldn’t check in and I blew a cog," said Cliff Emerson.
According to an incident report, police were called out Sept. 12 after a United Airlines ticket agent reported a disgruntled passenger.
The agent said Emerson, 67, was angry that he was being required to produce a negative COVID-19 test within the last 48 hours because he was traveling out of the country.
"It's a crazy time and COVID has people absolutely bonkers," Emerson said.
The incident report states officers smelled alcohol coming from Emerson and his speech was slurred. It alleges Emerson started threatening the officers and United employees because he was not being allowed to fly.
Officers told the man he would have to leave the airport but he refused. Emerson was then arrested for trespassing.
"I think it's important that people just try and be more open, relaxed about the experience, and not let little things get to them," said travel advisor, Laura Dennis.