Drunken Florida police officer kicked off Allegiant flight, officials say

Derrick Gilbert, 51, accused of pushing female airline worker

(Aero Icarus/Wikimedia)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – An off-duty Florida police officer has been arrested after allegedly being forced off an airplane because he was drunk and battered an airline staffer.

Pinellas County sheriff's officials say 51-year-old Derrick Gilbert smelled of alcohol and was yelling profanities at Allegiant Airline staff when deputies arrived at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport Friday. Authorities said he initially refused to leave the plane after staff said they have a zero tolerance policy for intoxication.

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Airline staff said Gilbert was so drunk on the plane he couldn't find his seat, was slurring his speech and appeared confused. A witness said Gilbert pushed a female airline staffer and later angrily grabbed his 18-year-old son by the neck when the teen tried to calm Gilbert.

Gilbert is an officer with Sarasota police. He is charged with battering airline staff, domestic battery and trespassing.


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