Seriously? Video shows Southwest pilot take sobriety test before DUI arrest

Newly launched video captured the second law enforcement accused a Southwest Airlines pilot of being under the affect in jap Georgia before arresting him earlier this yr.

On Jan. 15, officers arrested New Hampshire man David Allsop, 52, at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, accusing him of driving while intoxicated forward of a Chicago-bound flight from Georgia, according to Fox 32 and CBS News.

Police physique cam footage shows officers confronting the pilot and asking him when he last had a drink. He responded that it was the earlier evening.

“Like 10 hours ago at least,” the pilot is seen telling the officer.

“Well, I can smell an odor consistent with an alcoholic beverage,” the officer replied.

Allsop proceeds to clarify that the scent is induced by a Rogue nicotine pouch that he spits out.

Police conduct sobriety test before arresting pilot

Police proceed to conduct a area sobriety test on the Air Force veteran, who is seen counting while strolling in a straight line.

The officer tells Allsop that he exhibited strong indicators of intoxication and asks if he is keen to test his blood alcohol content through a blood draw, to which Allsop declines.

“That’s DUI Less Safe for the willful intention to operate a commercial aircraft,” the officer said, referring to the Georgia statute that legally prohibits somebody from working a shifting vehicle while under the affect.

“Seriously?” Allsop replies.

Video also shows police taking Allsop into custody.

Southwest Airlines told USA TODAY in January that an worker “has been removed from duty” that day, including that “customers were accommodated on other flights, and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans. There’s nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our employees and customers.”

Attorney faults officers for not following procedures

David Chaiken, Allsop’s attorney, said the pilot has flown hundreds of Southwest Airlines flights without incident for practically 20 years.

“Captain Allsop is an American hero. He served his country for over a decade, flying combat missions andspecial operations missions for the U.S. Air Force,” Chaiken said in a assertion to USA TODAY.

He faulted the police officers for not conducting the sobriety test accurately and not following correct procedures, citing professional opinions.

“The recently released bodycam video confirms what should be obvious to anyone who watches it — Captain Allsop committed no crime,” Chaiken said. “These procedures are in place for a reason, to prevent mistakes like this one.”

Contributing: Taylor Ardrey

This article initially appeared on USA TODAY: Video shows Southwest pilot taking sobriety test before DUI arrest