A drunk passenger allegedly grabbed and twisted a Delta Air Lines employee’s breast while shouting a threat during a violent outburst at Salt Lake City International Airport, authorities said. Cody Sierra Marie Bryne, 31, was arrested Wednesday and charged with sexual battery, assault, and public intoxication after the incident, according to court documents. After boarding a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Portland, Ore., Bryne allegedly refused repeated orders to move from the airplane aisle as other passengers were waiting to take their seats.
When she finally moved, police said, she slammed her shoulder into a Delta worker, forcing the employee backward into a seat. The pilot immediately ordered Bryne off the plane. As she was being escorted off, Bryne attempted to bolt into a secure area of the terminal, investigators reported.
When airline employees blocked her path, she allegedly grabbed one woman by the neck, yanked her head towards the ground, and pulled her hair. After releasing her grip, Bryne grabbed the woman’s breast and twisted it hard while shouting a threat. “The employee stated [Bryne] squeezed and twisted her breast while saying, ‘if I ever find you alone b—-,'” the affidavit states.
Bryne then ran toward the airport exit, according to police. She was later spotted trying to book a ticket with another airline before officers moved in to arrest her.
Assault case at Salt Lake City
Police said Bryne resisted being handcuffed, forcing two officers to restrain her. In an interview after her arrest, Bryne denied touching the Delta worker’s breast or assaulting anyone. However, court records indicate she admitted she had been drinking earlier that morning and appeared severely intoxicated.
“[Bryne] was unable to hold an intelligible conversation, had the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her person, had difficulty following directions, and needed assistance with walking,” the documents said. Bryne remained in custody on Friday at Salt Lake County Metro Jail. Salt Lake City police noted that alcohol-related unruly passenger cases have spiked since the pandemic, leading to more arrests at the airport.
Federal law allows fines up to $37,000 for interfering with flight crews. Bryne’s first court appearance is expected early next week. “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. While we do not comment on pending litigation, we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation proceeds.”