…Researched and contributed by Judah Olanisebee.
Delta Airlines Passenger Arrested for Kissing Flight Attendant
A Delta Airlines first-class passenger, David Alan Burk, 61, was arrested on April 10 for allegedly forcing himself onto a male flight attendant and kissing him on the neck.
Burk was flying from Minnesota to Alaska to settle his dead friend’s estate when he reportedly became “wasted” on Delta flight 517.
Burk told the flight attendant that he was “so beautiful” and then asked him for a kiss, which the man declined.
Burk then grabbed the flight attendant and kissed him on the neck, making him “uncomfortable.”
Flight Attendant’s Ordeal
After the incident, the flight attendant, only identified as TC in court papers, had to be moved to the back of the plane for the rest of the six-hour journey while other cabin crew tended to Burk.
The flight attendant reported that Burk had grown “snippy” when he was refused a glass of red wine and later managed to smash the captain’s meal tray.
TC had to contact the Captain, who informed his crew that this was a ‘level two security threat’ and a flight attendant would have to switch roles with TC.
Burk’s Response
Upon arrival in Anchorage, Burk was taken into custody by Airport Police and was read his Miranda Rights.
Burk denied the allegations, claiming that he “never kissed anybody” and refused to take a breathalyzer test.
He was later booked into the Anchorage Correctional Complex and released on his own recognizance on April 13.
Consequences
Burk is now facing charges of abusive sexual contact, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison, and assault, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison.
The Delta flight attendant’s ordeal highlights the unacceptable behavior of some passengers towards flight crews.
Flight crews are entitled to work in an environment free from harassment, and the authorities must take measures to ensure that passengers understand the consequences of such behavior.