Chesterfield man arrested after alleged assault while deplaning at Richmond International Airport

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A 20-year-old Chesterfield man was arrested and charged after an alleged assault occurred as passengers were getting off a flight at Richmond International Airport on Tuesday morning.

At 9:37 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, officers with the Richmond International Airport Police Department responded to a reported disturbance involving two passengers at Gate B3 at the airport.

When officers arrived, they found a suspect, who was a passenger, being restrained by others after an alleged assault occurred as passengers were getting off a plane.

The suspect, who officials said appeared to be intoxicated, continued to resist officers after being placed in handcuffs. During efforts to restrain the suspect, officials said one officer had a minor injury.

The suspect, identified by officials as a 20-year-old man of Chesterfield County, was charged with being drunk in public, disorderly conduct, simple assault and assault on law enforcement.

He was taken to Henrico Jail West, where he is being held without bond. He is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Aside from Gate B3, officials said operations and flights were not affected by the incident.

“RIC’s public safety team acted quickly and professionally to ensure the safety of passengers
and staff,” said Troy M. Bell, spokesman, Capital Region Airport Commission. “We appreciate
the cooperation of those on scene who assisted officers in bringing the situation under control.”