DENVER- United Airlines (UA) pilot is now facing charges following a peculiar axe attack that took place earlier this month.
The incident occurred at a Denver International Airport (DEN) employee parking lot, where the pilot, identified as Kenneth Henderson Jones, unleashed a destructive assault on a parking arm, resulting in an estimated $700 worth of damages.
United Pilot Axe Attack
According to authorities, Jones claimed that he had reached a breaking point.
Video footage of the incident, which occurred on August 2 and has been obtained by CBS News Colorado, shows the 63-year-old pilot wielding a full-sized axe.
The video captures him vigorously striking the parking arm at the exit gate of the employee parking area. He delivers 23 blows until the parking arm dislodges from its base.
Subsequently, Jones became engaged in a prolonged altercation with an airport staff member who witnessed the event and attempted to disarm the pilot.
The situation escalated until another airport employee intervened and managed to secure the axe. The airport’s management described this encounter as a ‘physical struggle’ that concluded without any injuries.
Case Filed
Authorities in Adams County have filed misdemeanor criminal mischief charges against Jones. An arraignment for the case has been scheduled in Adams County Court on September 25.
United Airlines Corporate Communications Manager, Russel Carlton, noted that Jones has been taken off the schedule and is on leave while United conducts an internal investigation. However, Carlton refrained from providing additional comments or specifics.
Federal records indicate that Jones holds qualifications to operate large aircraft such as the Boeing 757 and 767.
Although Jones has yet to respond to the messages, deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s office mentioned that Jones informed them he had ‘reached his breaking point.’
Police Report
As detailed in a police report, Jones also mentioned that he was attempting to exit the parking lot, but he estimated that there were six vehicles queued at each of the three exit gates.
Airport administrators have reported ongoing challenges with the lot, as some individuals lack the required permits. Deputies conveyed that Jones explained he was aiming to resolve the issues for those waiting.
Footage from the airport’s surveillance cameras captures the moment when police officers assigned to the airport detain Jones in a nearby field and subsequently placed him in handcuffs.
The same recording displays Jones engaging in a conversation with law enforcement officials and later being released from their custody, after which he drives away.
Official records indicate that Jones has no prior history of arrests in Colorado.
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