A woman was arrested Wednesday at Salt Lake City International Airport after allegedly sexually assaulting a Delta employee before a flight to Portland, Oregon. Cody Sierra Marie Bryne, 31, faces charges of sexual battery, assault, and public intoxication. According to court documents, Bryne refused to move from the airplane aisle despite repeated orders from the crew.
When she finally did move, she reportedly used her shoulder to shove a Delta worker into a seat. The pilot then ordered Bryne to be removed from the plane. As she was being escorted off, Bryne attempted to run into a secure area of the airport.
During this attempt, she allegedly grabbed a female airline employee by the neck, pushed her head toward the ground, and pulled her hair. After releasing the employee, Bryne reportedly walked back and grabbed the woman’s breast, squeezing and twisting it while making a threatening remark.
Assault leads to airport arrest
She then ran toward the airport exit and tried to book a flight with another airline. Officers located Bryne in the airport lobby and arrested her. She reportedly resisted being handcuffed, requiring two officers to restrain her.
Court documents state that Bryne denied assaulting the employee but admitted to being intoxicated earlier that morning. Police noted that Bryne had difficulty holding a coherent conversation, smelled of alcohol, struggled to follow directions, and needed assistance walking. She was booked into Salt Lake County Jail.
“Delta has zero tolerance for abusive, disruptive, or unlawful behavior on our flights,” an airline spokesperson said. “The safety and security of our customers and crew is our highest priority, and we take all incidents seriously.”
The spokesperson added that Delta is fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation proceeds. Bryne’s first court appearance is scheduled for early next week.
