A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested in Georgia this week for driving under the influence, according to reports.
David Allsop, 52, of New Hampshire, was taken into custody at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on Wednesday morning, according to Fox 32 and CBS News.
The incident reportedly resulted in an hours-long delay for the flight heading to Chicago. A source alleged to CBS News that Allsop smelled of alcohol and was removed from the flight.
The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for information.
Allsop is charged with driving under the influence, according to Chatham County Sheriff’s office jail records, and was released on a $3,500 bond.
Southwest Airlines confirmed to USA TODAY Thursday that an employee “has been removed from duty.”
“We’re aware of a situation involving an employee on Flight 3772 Wednesday from Savannah,” a spokesperson said. “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.”
Flight 3772 from Savannah to Chicago arrived nearly five hours late, according to FlightAware.
In a similar case in 2023, a United Airlines pilot was suspended and given a six-month suspended prison sentence for showing up to work drunk for a flight from Paris to Washington, D.C.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest Airlines pilot arrested in Savannah, GA for DUI: reports