Post by : Rameen Ariff

A disturbing incident occurred at Salt Lake City International Airport when a drunk passenger allegedly sexually assaulted a Delta Air Lines employee after being removed from a flight to Portland, Oregon. The passenger, identified as 31-year-old Cody Sierra Marie Bryne, was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including sexual battery, assault, and public intoxication.

According to police and court records, Bryne refused to move from the aisle while boarding the Delta flight, prompting the pilot to order her off the plane. As she was escorted off the aircraft, she allegedly attempted to enter a secure area and assaulted another woman by grabbing her neck and pulling her hair. She then grabbed and twisted a Delta employee’s breast while shouting a threat.

After the assault, Bryne reportedly tried to leave the airport and book a ticket on another airline, but police caught her. During the arrest, she resisted being handcuffed, requiring two officers to restrain her. In a post-arrest interview, Bryne denied touching the Delta employee or assaulting anyone, though court documents show she admitted to drinking earlier that morning and appeared severely intoxicated.

Salt Lake City police noted that Bryne “was unable to hold an intelligible conversation, had the odor of alcohol on her, had difficulty following directions, and required assistance walking.” The incident is part of a broader surge in alcohol-related unruly passenger cases at airports, a trend that has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal law allows fines of up to $37,000 for interfering with flight crews, and Bryne could face the maximum penalty. Delta Air Lines emphasized that it has zero tolerance for abusive, disruptive, or unlawful behavior and is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about airline passenger safety and the challenges faced by flight crews in managing intoxicated and disruptive travelers, particularly during the busy travel season.

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