An irate United Airlines passenger knocked out a gate attendant at Washington DC-area airport, hospitalizing the employee and earning himself a one-way ticket to the airline’s blacklist.
Maryland resident Christopher Stuart Crittenden was embroiled in a 15-minute tirade with the gate agents at Dulles International on Thursday night when his flight was allegedly canceled and another fully booked, WUSA reported.
Crittenden, 54, attempted to walk onto the jet bridge at Gate D12 inside the Washington DC airport as arriving passengers were departing a flight.
The unidentified employee blocked the man, who was carrying a bag over his shoulder and wearing a backpack, from accessing the restricted area.
Crittenden then hurled back his right arm before releasing a hefty blow.
The airline worker was hit on the left side of the face before going limp and falling to the ground in front of other horrified passengers.
Airport officials later transported the employee to a local hospital.
Crittenden was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly conduct, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced.
Photos obtained by TMZ captured airport security standing over a handcuffed Crittenden, who was sitting on the ground near the gate.
“United sucks,” Crittenden shouted as he was ushered away from the area, according to the outlet.
A fellow traveler claimed Crittenden had booked a spot on a third flight, but was already upset with his travel ordeal.
The airport menace was also banned from all future flights with United.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Works Union (IAM) called for stricter enforcement of the law pertaining to violent acts towards airport employees.
IAM said its members should be provided a work environment where they don’t have to fear for their safety while
