A Frontier Airlines pilot was arrested in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, forcing the airline to cancel a flight.
Officers with the Houston Police Department arrested 45-year-old Seymour Walker at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, police said. Walker was wanted “on a warrant for assault and domestic violence” issued by the Department of Public Safety at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
“The activity occurred before boarding began for Flight 3195, scheduled to depart IAH for Dallas Fort Worth (DFW),” the airline told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “The incident that led to the arrest had nothing to do with Frontier or the performance of the pilot’s job duties. A replacement crew member was not immediately available and therefore the flight was canceled.”
The arrest followed an alleged assault on April 6. Walker’s wife told police at the time that he punched her in the stomach after the couple got into an argument while watching their son’s basketball game.
“During the argument, (she) became frustrated and verbally abused Seymour, which caused Seymour to become angry and punch Tamisha in the stomach,” an arrest affidavit states.
Walker left the area when his wife called police, claiming he had also attacked and choked her in the past.
Frontier gave affected customers the option of receiving a refund or credit or being rebooked on the next available flight later that evening. “Passengers were also provided with a $100 flight credit and one night’s hotel accommodation if needed,” the airline added.
Nathan Diller is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Frontier pilot arrested before boarding at Houston airport
