A reported incident involving a drunken passenger at Salt Lake City International Airport led to the arrest of a Delta Air Lines employee after she allegedly assaulted a staff member while making violent threats.
Cody Sierra Marie Bryne, 31, was taken into custody on Wednesday, facing charges of sexual battery, assault, and public intoxication as outlined in court records.
After boarding a Delta flight destined for Portland, Oregon, Bryne reportedly ignored numerous requests to clear the aisle, blocking access for other passengers trying to find their seats.
Once she finally stepped aside, authorities reported that Bryne forcefully collided with a Delta employee, causing the staff member to stumble backwards into a seat.
The pilot then promptly requested that Bryne be removed from the aircraft, as noted by Fox 13 TV.
While being escorted off the plane, Bryne allegedly attempted to escape into a restricted area of the terminal. When confronted by airline personnel, she reportedly grabbed one woman by the neck, forcing her head down and pulling at her hair.
After letting go, Bryne supposedly approached again and grabbed the woman’s breast, twisting it forcefully while hurling a threat at her.
According to the affidavit, the victim claimed Bryne “squeezed and twisted her breast while saying, ‘if I ever find you alone b—-.’”
Following this encounter, Bryne allegedly fled toward the airport’s exit. She was later apprehended as she attempted to book a flight with a different airline.
Police noted that Bryne resisted attempts to be handcuffed, necessitating the intervention of two officers to control her.
Following her arrest, Bryne claimed during an interview that she did not touch the Delta employee or assault any individuals.
However, court records indicate that she confessed to drinking earlier that day and exhibited signs of severe intoxication.
The documents elaborated, stating, “[Bryne] was unable to maintain a coherent conversation, emitted the scent of alcohol, struggled to follow directions, and required help to walk.”
The Post has reached out to both Salt Lake City International Airport and the Salt Lake City Police Department for comments. Bryne has not responded to requests for her side of the story.
Byrne was held at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail as of Friday.
Officers from Salt Lake City noted a significant increase in alcohol-related disruptions among passengers since the pandemic, resulting in more arrests at the airport. Federal penalties can reach up to $37,000 for interfering with flight crews.
Byrne is expected to attend her initial court hearing sometime next week.
“Delta maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against abusive, disruptive, or illegal behavior aboard our flights,” stated a spokesperson for the airline to The Post.
“Ensuring the safety and security of our passengers and crew is our utmost priority, and we take every incident seriously. While we do not comment on ongoing legal matters, we are fully cooperating with law enforcement throughout the investigation.”
